Cascade Falls/Te Auheke – Rotorua.
A hidden gem off the Rotorua-Whakatane Road is Cascade Falls. Located in the Lake Okataina scenic reserve and accessed via Lake Okataina Road, it’s a little-known secret that many Rotorua locals don’t even know about!
Te Auheke means ‘tumbling water’ and when you see it in real life, you’ll understand why. The falls cascade down over a sheer cliff approximately 10m high that is covered in greenery, mainly moss and ferns with sharp rocks jutting out from the wall, creating the “cascade” or tumbling water.
There are several tracks in the area which you can find out more about here. I did part of the Te Auheke Track (Cascades Track) which is located behind the Outdoor Education Centre. It’s not well signposted, so look carefully for directions! The return walk is roughly 20 minutes each way, plus allow some time for stopping off at some smaller falls on the way. The falls are not large by any means but since it’s such a short distance to get to them, its worthwhile, and the track is a nice easy trail, suitable for all levels of fitness.
On my walk, I marveled at the thousands of glow worms which dotted the rocks by the waterfall, I’d love to come back at night some time and see them in all their twinkling glory, I can imagine it would be just as beautiful in the dark.
I’m loving seeing all these new (to me) nature areas in New Zealand. Any suggestions where I should go next?
Jenny.
