Last updated May 2026
Maraetotara Falls is a short walk to a small waterfall with a popular swimming hole at the base, near Havelock North on the road to Waimārama (about 25 minutes drive from central Napier). The walk is an easy 10 to 15 minutes one way from the carpark on Maraetotara Road, descending sturdy wooden stairs and following the Maraetotara Historic Walk to the base of the falls. Free, family-friendly, managed by Hastings District Council. No lifeguard, so swim with care.
Practical Information
| Location | Maraetotara Road, near Havelock North; ~25 min drive from central Napier |
| Walk time | 10 to 15 minutes one way from the carpark |
| Difficulty | Easy, with a gentle descent and wooden stairs |
| Swimming | Yes, large swimming hole at the base of the falls (no lifeguard) |
| Safety note | Do not jump from the top of the falls (submerged hazards) |
| Facilities | Public toilets at the carpark (recently restored) |
| Cost | Free |
| Managed by | Hastings District Council |
About Maraetotara Falls
Maraetotara Falls is one of the most-visited short waterfall walks in the wider Hawke’s Bay area, popular for its short approach, the swimming hole at the base, and its proximity to Havelock North and Napier. The track starts from a small carpark on Maraetotara Road, with sturdy wooden stairs leading down to the Maraetotara Historic Walk that follows the river to the base of the falls.
The falls themselves are modest in height compared with the bigger Hawke’s Bay cascades (Shine Falls at 58 m is the regional benchmark), but the appeal of Maraetotara is the swim-stop experience: a clear pool at the base of the falls, surrounded by bush, with enough room for groups and families. On a hot summer day this is one of the standard freshwater swim destinations in the wider Napier and Hastings area.
The site sits on the road from Havelock North out toward Waimārama, near the location of the old Havelock North Power Station. A short detour pairs naturally with a Te Mata Peak summit visit or a Waimārama Beach trip.
Swimming Safety
The Maraetotara swimming hole is unguarded: there are no lifeguards, and standard freshwater-swimming caution applies. The water can be deceptively cold in the deeper sections, and the bottom is uneven with submerged debris in places. Do not jump from the top of the falls: submerged hazards in the pool below can cause serious injury. Check the water depth and clarity yourself before swimming, supervise children, and avoid the site after heavy rain when river flows rise quickly.
What Visitors Often Say
Reviewers consistently describe Maraetotara Falls as one of the best easy waterfall walks in Hawke’s Bay. The short 10 to 15 minute approach, the clear swimming hole at the base, and the bush setting all get specific mentions. Families with younger kids particularly value the short walk and the swim-stop combination; serious hikers tend to describe it as a quick stop rather than a destination walk.
Common practical tips: arrive early in summer (the small carpark fills quickly on hot days), bring towels and swim gear, do not jump from the top of the falls (submerged hazards), avoid after heavy rain when river flows rise quickly, and combine with a Te Mata Peak summit visit or a Waimārama Beach trip for a fuller day. The recently restored carpark toilets are a welcome upgrade.
Where to Learn More
Hastings District Council, Maraetotara Falls: official council page with reserve details, access and current notices.
Hawke’s Bay NZ, Maraetotara Falls: regional visitor guide with photos and context.
TripAdvisor, Maraetotara Falls: user reviews and current visitor reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the walk to Maraetotara Falls?
10 to 15 minutes one way from the carpark on Maraetotara Road. Easy, with a gentle descent and wooden stairs.
Where is Maraetotara Falls?
Near Havelock North on the road toward Waimārama, about 25 minutes drive from central Napier.
Can you swim at Maraetotara Falls?
Yes, there is a popular swimming hole at the base of the falls. There are no lifeguards. Do not jump from the top of the falls (submerged hazards).
Are there toilets at Maraetotara Falls?
Yes, public toilets at the carpark were recently restored.
Is Maraetotara Falls free?
Yes, free public access.
How tall are Maraetotara Falls?
A modest cascade, much smaller than Shine Falls (58 m). The appeal is the swimming hole and the short approach rather than the height.
Is Maraetotara Falls suitable for kids?
Yes, the short walk and the gentle stairs make it family-friendly. Supervise children at the swimming hole and stay out of the river after heavy rain.
For more Napier-area swimming, see the swimming hub. For other waterfalls, see Centennial Gardens Waterfall in central Napier.
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