Kerikeri waterfall access to reopen

Work to reopen a track that accesses a popular Kerikeri waterfall and swimming spot will begin next week after being closed to the public over a year ago.

The track to Charlie’s Rock Waterfall, which is on Waipapa Stream about 5km from downtown Kerikeri, was closed in June 2021 after being washed out by a series of significant rain events. Stormwater seriously undermined the trail leaving it impassable in places and it was closed by the council for safety reasons.

The 12m-high waterfall is less well known than the nearby Rainbow Falls and is a favourite summer swimming spot for locals.

Work will begin next Wednesday (16 November) to increase the stormwater capacity of a culvert along the trail and a secondary overflow will also be installed to accommodate future major rain events. The trail will then be backfilled, new gravel laid and cleared of obstacles.

The track is due to reopen ahead of Christmas and in time for the summer swimming season.