Last updated July 2026
Tangoio Falls and Te Ana Falls are located in the Tangoio Falls Scenic Reserve, approximately 27 km north of Napier on State Highway 2. The falls are reached via the Tangoio Walkway, which connects the reserve with White Pine Bush Scenic Reserve and follows the Kareaara Stream through native forest and plantations. The walkway and access to both falls have remained closed since Cyclone Gabrielle in February 2023 due to extensive damage from flooding, slips and tree falls. As of mid-2026, track re-establishment work is planned to begin later in the year, though no firm reopening date has been confirmed. Visitors should always check the latest status directly with the Department of Conservation before travelling.
Practical Information
| Track status | CLOSED (since February 2023) |
| Location | 27 km north of Napier on SH2, Tūtira area |
| Te Ana Falls walk | 2 km, 30 minutes return (when open) |
| Tangoio Falls walk | 4 km, 60 minutes return (when open) |
| Tangoio Walkway | 4.4 km, 2 hours one way (when open) |
| Future plans | Re-establishment work scheduled to start in 2026 |
| Check status | DOC Tangoio Falls Scenic Reserve tracks page |
About Tangoio Falls and the Walkway
The Tangoio Falls Scenic Reserve lies in the Tūtira area of Hawke’s Bay and contains two waterfalls along the Kareaara Stream. Te Ana Falls is the first destination reached from the Tangoio Falls car park, followed by a further 15-minute uphill section to Tangoio Falls. The longer Tangoio Walkway links the reserve with White Pine Bush Scenic Reserve, passing through native bush, grassland and pine plantations. White Pine Bush contains one of the few remaining stands of mature kahikatea forest in inland Hawke’s Bay.
The area holds cultural significance for local iwi, including connections to Ngāti Kahungunu. The nearby Tangoio settlement lies a short distance away on the coast. When open, the walks are described as suitable for families with children, offering opportunities to see native forest and freshwater species such as koura in the streams.
The Tangoio Walkway is recommended to be walked from north to south because the gradient is mostly downhill in that direction. Stream crossings require care after rain, and sections of the track are steep.
Cyclone Gabrielle Damage and Current Closure
Cyclone Gabrielle caused severe flooding along the Kareaara Stream in February 2023, resulting in slips, tree falls and major track damage throughout the reserve. The Department of Conservation and Hawke’s Bay Regional Council closed the walkway and falls immediately after the event. Unlike some other regional tracks, the Tangoio routes have not reopened. Damage assessments indicate the scale of repair required is significant, and the future of the walkway remains under consideration in partnership with the Maungaharuru Tangitū Trust. Track re-establishment work is now scheduled to begin in 2026.
Official advice remains that the site is unsafe and visitors must not attempt the closed track. Anyone planning a trip should confirm the latest status on the DOC website before leaving Napier.
Alternative Waterfall Walks Near Napier
Several other waterfall walks in the Hawke’s Bay region remain open and provide similar experiences:
Maraetotara Falls near Havelock North offers a short walk to a popular swimming hole. Centennial Gardens Waterfall in central Napier is a 40-metre artificial cascade with easy access and no track required. Waipatiki Scenic Reserve, north of Napier, features a nikau-palm forest walk that is currently open. Bell Rock in the Boundary Stream area has also reopened for summer use; check DOC for any seasonal updates.
What Visitors Often Say
Pre-closure reviews described the Tangoio Walkway as a quieter alternative to busier Hawke’s Bay waterfall tracks. Walkers appreciated the progression from Te Ana Falls to the higher Tangoio Falls, the mix of native bush and plantation scenery, and the sense of a longer, more remote outing.
Recent feedback emphasises the importance of checking the DOC website before driving north from Napier. Visitors who arrive without checking often find the track closed and recommend Maraetotara Falls or Centennial Gardens as reliable open alternatives.
Where to Learn More
DOC Tangoio Falls Scenic Reserve tracks: official page with track descriptions, distances and current status alerts.
Plan My Walk track alerts: up-to-date closure information and safety notices for the reserve.
NZ Herald Hawke’s Bay Today: December 2025 article on regional track closures after Cyclone Gabrielle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Tangoio Falls and Te Ana Falls open?
No. The Tangoio Walkway and both falls have been closed since Cyclone Gabrielle in February 2023 and remain closed as of mid-2026. Track re-establishment work is planned to start later in 2026.
Where is the Tangoio Falls Scenic Reserve?
The reserve is located 27 km north of Napier on State Highway 2 in the Tūtira area of Hawke’s Bay.
Why is the Tangoio Walkway closed?
Cyclone Gabrielle caused flooding, slips and tree falls that made the track unsafe. Repair work has not yet been completed.
When will the walkway reopen?
No confirmed reopening date is available. Re-establishment work is scheduled to begin in 2026, after which the timeline will be clearer.
What is the difference between Te Ana Falls and Tangoio Falls?
Te Ana Falls is reached first from the car park after a 30-minute return walk. Tangoio Falls lies a further 15-minute uphill section beyond Te Ana Falls.
Are there any open alternatives near Tangoio?
Yes. Maraetotara Falls near Havelock North, Centennial Gardens Waterfall in Napier, and Waipatiki Scenic Reserve are currently open options.
Can I walk the closed track anyway?
No. The site is officially closed and unsafe due to slips, fallen trees and flood damage. Respect the closure and check DOC for updates.
Who manages the reserve?
The Department of Conservation manages the Tangoio Falls Scenic Reserve tracks in partnership with the Maungaharuru Tangitū Trust.
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