Rere Falls – Gisborne, East Coast, New Zealand
Rere Falls spreads wide like a silver curtain across a smooth rock ledge, dropping in one clean, even sheet into a calm freshwater pool below. Unlike towering alpine waterfalls, this one is approachable: gentle, symmetrical and set against rolling East Coast farmland.
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The Wharekōpae River glides quietly through pastoral hills before spilling over the five-metre ledge. From the grassy banks you hear the steady rush of water before you step into the cool shallows. On warm afternoons, sunlight catches the falling sheet and turns it into a shimmering wall of spray.
It's a countryside classic: picnic blankets on the lawn, swimmers laughing under the cascade, and friends ducking in behind the curtain where water drums softly against the rock face. Just up the road is Rere Rockslide, so it's easy to do both in one trip.
Rere Falls is one of the East Coast swims in Swim New Zealand – North Island.
Facilities at Rere Falls
The Rere Falls Reserve car park sits right beside the falls. Facilities include:
- Toilets
- Picnic tables
- Large grassy areas
- Easy river access
There are no shops on site, so bring food and water.
How to Get to Rere Falls
Rere Falls is inland from Gisborne along Wharekōpae Road. Allow around 45 minutes' drive.
Driving directions
- From Gisborne, head out of town on SH35.
- Turn onto Wharekōpae Road towards Rere.
- Follow the road through rolling farmland for about 30 minutes.
- Look for signs to Rere Falls Reserve and turn into the car park. The falls are a short walk away.
The road is sealed and suitable for standard vehicles. Rere Rockslide is about 2.3 km further along the same road.
When to Visit
- Best season: summer (December to March) for warm air and classic swimming conditions.
- Water flow: more dramatic after rain, but currents get stronger and water quality drops.
- Water temperature: cool freshwater year-round.
- Peak times: busy on summer weekends and school holidays.
Can You Swim at Rere Falls? Safety and Water Quality
People do swim here, but the Wharekōpae River at Rere has a history of poor water quality, and LAWA carries a long-term health warning for the Rockslide just upstream. Check LAWA's current water quality alerts before you swim, and stay out of the water after heavy rain.
- Rocks are slippery, especially behind the curtain.
- Don't jump or dive from the falls, and check the depth before you get in.
- There are no lifeguards.
- Water flow increases quickly after heavy rain.
- Supervise children at all times.
- Take all rubbish home and leave the riverbank as you found it.
For official regional information and safety updates, see Gisborne District Council.
Discover More with Swim New Zealand
Rere Falls features in Swim New Zealand – North Island, a curated guide to hidden waterfalls, geothermal streams, rivers and coastal swims. If you're exploring the East Coast, it connects Rere Falls with lesser-known freshwater gems and classic New Zealand swimming spots. Browse all our New Zealand travel guides.
Rere Falls FAQs
Can you stand behind Rere Falls?
Yes. The falls drop as a wide, five-metre curtain and you can step in behind the sheet of water. The rock is slippery, so go slowly.
Is it safe to swim at Rere Falls?
The Wharekōpae River here has a history of poor water quality, so check LAWA's alerts before you swim and avoid the water after heavy rain. There are no lifeguards.
How far is Rere Falls from Gisborne?
Around 45 minutes' drive inland via SH35 and Wharekōpae Road, all on sealed roads.
How far is Rere Falls from Rere Rockslide?
About 2.3 km further along Wharekōpae Road, just a few minutes' drive.
