Wentworth Falls – Whangamatā, Coromandel, New Zealand
Wentworth Falls – Whangamatā, Coromandel, New Zealand
Hidden inland from Whangamatā's surf beaches, Wentworth Falls drops in a single silver ribbon through dense Coromandel forest. The waterfall spills over ancient volcanic rock before plunging into a calm, dark pool framed by mossy stone and thick green foliage.
The walk in feels like a gradual immersion into quiet. Ferns arch overhead, kawakawa and nikau line the track, and the Wentworth River winds beside you in gentle bends. As you approach the clearing, the sound of falling water grows louder until the trees part and the cascade appears — tall, narrow, and elegant against rugged cliff walls.
Unlike the pounding ocean just a few kilometres away, this is cool freshwater calm. A place to float beneath rock faces shaped by thousands of years of erosion, surrounded by birdsong and forest shade. For more Coromandel swimming, explore Karangahake Gorge or discover other New Zealand swimming spots.
Discover More with Swim New Zealand
Wentworth Falls is one of many wild freshwater swimming locations featured in Swim New Zealand – North Island — a curated guide to hidden waterfalls, geothermal rivers, coastal rock pools, and remote swimming holes across the country. If you're searching for authentic New Zealand swimming spots beyond the obvious beaches, the guide brings them together in one beautifully designed collection. Browse all our New Zealand travel guides.
Map & Navigation
Google Maps:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Wentworth+Falls+Walk/@-37.2471844,175.8168917,17z
Closest Parking:
Wentworth Valley Car Park (DOC managed) at the end of Wentworth Valley Road.
Trailhead:
The Wentworth Falls Track begins directly from the car park. Clear DOC signage is present.
How to Get There
Wentworth Falls is located approximately 7 km southwest of Whangamatā in the Coromandel Peninsula.
Driving Directions:
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From central Whangamatā, head south on Port Road.
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Turn right onto Wentworth Valley Road.
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Follow this road inland — the sealed section eventually transitions to gravel.
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Continue until you reach the Wentworth Valley Car Park with DOC signage.
Parking is free and usually ample, though it can fill during summer weekends.
Walking Track:
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Distance: Approx. 3.5 km return
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Time: 1.5–2 hours return
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Difficulty: Easy to moderate
The track is well-formed with gentle gradients, river crossings via swing bridges, and sections of forest shade. The final approach opens onto a viewing platform and access point beside the main pool.
Safety Notes
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Rocks around the pool are extremely slippery — take care entering and exiting.
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Water temperatures remain cool even in summer.
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No lifeguards are present.
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Avoid swimming after heavy rain due to strong currents and rising water levels.
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Stay on marked tracks to avoid erosion and unstable edges.
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Supervise children closely at all times.
For official track conditions and safety updates, visit the Department of Conservation (DOC):
https://www.doc.govt.nz/
You can also check regional updates via Waikato Regional Council:
https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/
