Last updated May 2026
Tangoio Falls and Te Ana Falls sit on the Tangoio Walkway, a track between the White Pine Bush and Tangoio Falls Scenic Reserves north of Napier. Important: the walkway and both falls have been closed since Cyclone Gabrielle in February 2023, with damage to tracks and structures making the route unsafe. As of late 2025, the future of the walkway is still being considered by DOC and Hawke’s Bay Regional Council. Below is an overview of the falls and walkway for context, plus alternatives that are open.
Current Status (Important)
| Track status | CLOSED (since Cyclone Gabrielle, February 2023) |
| Damage | Flooding damage, slips, tree falls; the falls themselves described as unsafe to access |
| Future | Still being considered; no reopening date set |
| Check before travelling | DOC Tangoio Falls Scenic Reserve tracks page |
| Alternatives currently open | Maraetotara Falls (Havelock North), Centennial Gardens Waterfall (Napier), Bell Rock (Boundary Stream) |
About Tangoio Walkway and the Falls
The Tangoio Walkway linked two of Hawke’s Bay’s scenic reserves: White Pine Bush at one end and Tangoio Falls at the other. The track followed the Kareaara Stream from the Tangoio Falls carpark to Te Ana Falls, with an additional 15-minute uphill section reaching Tangoio Falls itself. The route ran through native forest, open grassland and older pine plantations, with the two waterfalls as the destination payoffs.
The wider area is significant for both its natural-history context (one of the few remaining stands of mature kahikatea in inland Hawke’s Bay sits in White Pine Bush) and for the cultural significance to Ngāti Pārau and the wider Ngāti Kahungunu rohe. The Tangoio settlement on the coast sits a short distance away.
What Happened: Cyclone Gabrielle Damage
Cyclone Gabrielle hit Hawke’s Bay in February 2023 with devastating effect on the rural and coastal infrastructure north of Napier. The Tangoio Walkway sustained heavy damage: the Kareaara Stream flooded heavily and reshaped sections of the track, slips removed parts of the path, and tree falls blocked the route in multiple places. DOC and the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council closed the walkway immediately, and unlike some other regional tracks it has not reopened.
The future of the walkway is still under consideration. The scale of damage, the cost of repair, and the relative remoteness of the destination compared with other regional tracks all factor into the decision. As of late 2025, no reopening date has been set. Anyone considering visiting should check the DOC page for the current status. Do not attempt the closed track: slips, fallen trees and flooding damage make the route unsafe.
Alternative Falls and Walks Currently Open
For visitors wanting an open waterfall walk in the wider Napier and Hawke’s Bay area:
- Maraetotara Falls: short walk near Havelock North, open and with a popular swimming hole at the base
- Centennial Gardens Waterfall: 40 m artificial cascade in central Napier, no track required
- Bell Rock: another Boundary Stream track, reopened for summer use; check DOC for current status
- Waipatiki Scenic Reserve: nikau-palm forest walk near Waipatiki Beach, north of Napier, open
- White Pine Bush Reserve: parts may be accessible; check DOC for the current status of the wider area
What Visitors Often Say (Historical)
Pre-cyclone reviews described the Tangoio Walkway as a quieter, less-touristy alternative to the more popular Hawke’s Bay waterfall walks. The native bush sections, the two-falls payoff (Te Ana Falls first, then the short uphill to Tangoio Falls), and the connection between the two scenic reserves all got specific mentions. The walkway appealed especially to walkers wanting a longer, more remote-feeling outing than the short Maraetotara Falls walk offers.
Current-status feedback (post-cyclone): visitors who arrive without checking the DOC page find the track closed and inaccessible. Recent reviewers strongly recommend checking before driving the half-hour north from Napier, and many suggest Maraetotara Falls or the Centennial Gardens Waterfall as the practical alternatives.
Where to Learn More
DOC, Tangoio Falls Scenic Reserve tracks: official DOC page with the current track status. Check before travelling.
NZ Herald, Future of Tāngoio and Te Ana Falls walk still being considered: regional news article on the current closure status.
Hawke’s Bay NZ, Tangoio Falls: regional tourism page with historical context.
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 late 2025. The future of the walkway is still being considered. Check the DOC page before travelling.
Where are Tangoio Falls and Te Ana Falls?
On the Tangoio Walkway between the White Pine Bush and Tangoio Falls Scenic Reserves, in the Tūtira area, roughly 30 minutes drive north of Napier.
Why are Tangoio Falls and Te Ana Falls closed?
Cyclone Gabrielle (February 2023) caused flooding damage, slips and tree falls on the Tangoio Walkway, and the falls themselves are described as unsafe to access. Repair has not been completed.
When will Tangoio Falls reopen?
No date has been set. The future of the walkway is still under consideration by DOC and the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council.
What’s the difference between Tangoio Falls and Te Ana Falls?
They are two separate waterfalls on the same walkway. The track from the carpark reaches Te Ana Falls first, with Tangoio Falls a further 15-minute uphill walk beyond.
What alternatives are open near the Tangoio Walkway?
Maraetotara Falls near Havelock North is open with a popular swimming hole. Centennial Gardens Waterfall in Napier is a 40 m artificial cascade with no track required. Waipatiki Scenic Reserve north of Napier has a nikau-palm walk.
Can I attempt the closed track?
No. The walkway is officially closed because of slips, fallen trees and flooding damage. Respect the closure.
For more Napier-area walks, see the walking tracks hub. For an alternative open waterfall, see Maraetotara Falls near Havelock North.
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