Kitekite Falls – Piha, Auckland
Kitekite Falls is a dramatic tiered waterfall hidden in the rainforest of the Waitākere Ranges, a cascading veil of water just inland from Piha Beach.
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It's one of Auckland's most iconic freshwater spots and features in our guide Swim New Zealand – North Island.
About Kitekite Falls
Kitekite Falls sits deep in the lush rainforest of the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park. The track starts at the end of Glen Esk Road and follows the gentle Kitekite Stream through towering nīkau palms, ponga and dense native bush before opening suddenly onto the falls.
The waterfall drops in tiers over dark volcanic rock, through narrow chutes and shallow pools, before plunging into a calm basin at the base. Mist drifts off the falling water and catches the sunlight through the canopy, filling the forest with cool air.
The lower pool is a popular summer swim, and smaller cascades and shallow pools along the track make quiet places to cool off. A steep side track climbs to the top of the falls, with sweeping views across the valley towards Piha and the Tasman Sea.
How to Get to Kitekite Falls
Kitekite Falls is in Piha, about 45 minutes west of Auckland's city centre.
From Auckland, follow Scenic Drive through the Waitākere Ranges to Piha Road. Continue downhill towards the coast, then turn left onto Glen Esk Road. The car park is at the end of the road, with toilets and a kauri dieback cleaning station.
From the car park, the Kitekite Track follows a well-formed path through rainforest for around 1.5 km each way, with footbridges, steps, a short boardwalk and a couple of stream crossings that need good balance. The steeper side track to the top of the falls is only for dry conditions.
Protect the Kauri
The Waitākere Ranges are home to kauri threatened by kauri dieback, a disease spread in soil on shoes and gear. Scrub and spray your footwear at the cleaning station before and after the walk, follow the instructions at the start of the track and stay on the formed path to protect kauri roots. Pack out all your rubbish.
Safety Notes
- The track can be slippery after rain; wear sturdy footwear.
- Rocks near the water are smooth and covered in moss.
- The water is cold year-round, so enter slowly. Don't jump or dive.
- Avoid swimming directly under the falls because of the force of the falling water.
- There are no lifeguards.
- Only climb to the upper falls in dry conditions, and stay well back from the edge at the top.
- Streams rise quickly after heavy rain; stay out of the water when it's up or murky.
Official Information and Safety Updates
Tracks in the Waitākere Ranges can close for repairs, storm damage or kauri protection, so check before you go:
- Auckland Council: Kitekite Falls Track
- Auckland Council for regional park track updates
- DOC: Know Before You Go
- Keep Kauri Standing for kauri dieback hygiene
Kitekite Falls FAQs
Can you swim at Kitekite Falls?
Yes. The lower pool at the base of the falls is a popular summer swim. The water is cold and there are no lifeguards, so ease in and stay out from directly under the falling water.
How long is the Kitekite Falls walk?
Around 1.5 km each way from the Glen Esk Road car park on a well-formed track with footbridges, steps and a couple of stream crossings.
Where do you park for Kitekite Falls?
At the car park at the end of Glen Esk Road in Piha, which has toilets and a kauri dieback cleaning station.
Is the Kitekite Track open?
Waitākere Ranges tracks can close for repairs or kauri protection, so check the Auckland Council track page before you visit.
