Mokoroa Falls

Mokoroa Falls is a stunning waterfall located in the Goldie Bush Scenic Reserve, between Muriwai and the Waitakere Ranges in Auckland’s west coast in New Zealand. The waterfall was traditionally known by the Te Kawerau a Maki iwi as Wairere. The name Mokoroa ("long lizard") refers to a taniwha, Te Mokoroa.

The pool beneath the waterfall was traditionally called Te Rua o Te Mokoroa, or the lair of Mokorua. In traditional stories, the ancestor Taiaoroa is credited with killing Te Mokoroa.

The Mokoroa Falls Track starts at Horsman Road and is a nice walk through New Zealand's bush, that takes no more than 20 minutes to reach the waterfall. The track is well-maintained and easy to follow, with a few steep sections and stairs. You pass the junction with the Goldie Bush Walkway on your left after about 5 minutes. The drive to the car park is along a windy gravel road, which can be a bit bumpy but is still accessible by most vehicles. The track can be walked as part of a loop track when joined with the Mokoroa Stream Track.

The Mokoroa Falls Lookout is a viewing platform at the end of the track, which offers a great view of the waterfall. The waterfall is approximately 11 meters high and is surrounded by lush greenery, making it a picturesque spot for photography. Due to the effects of kauri dieback, Goldie Reserve was closed in 2018 in order to stop the spread of disease, and as of 2022 remains closed. During the closure period, the Mokoroa Falls track is being redeveloped, with better infrastructure to better stop the spread of the disease.

Overall, Mokoroa Falls is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and hikers. The waterfall is easily accessible and the track is well-maintained, making it a great option for families and beginners. The lush greenery and picturesque waterfall make it a great spot for photography and a peaceful escape from the city.