Fairy Falls Track is a short, family-friendly 20-minute return walk in Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, Auckland. The well-maintained trail leads through native bush to a picturesque 10-meter waterfall cascading over volcanic rock. Suitable for all fitness levels, it features boardwalks and viewing platforms, making it accessible year-round.
The Fairy Falls carpark sits right on Scenic Drive, about 10km from Titirangi. The entrance is easy to miss if you’re bombing along, so keep your eyes peeled for the small brown sign on the northern side of the road. The carpark only fits about six vehicles, maybe eight if everyone parks sensibly (which doesn’t always happen). If it’s full, there’s a bit of roadside parking nearby but be considerate of the locals.
Here’s something most people don’t know: the carpark fills up fast on weekend mornings between 10am and midday. Your best bet is arriving before 9am or after 2pm. Weekday mornings are golden if you can swing it.
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From the carpark you’ll descend gently into a proper West Auckland rainforest. The track starts as a well-formed gravel path before transitioning to boardwalks and steps. Despite being classified as Grade 2, it’s genuinely suitable for young kids and grandparents, though you’ll want to watch your footing on the wooden sections when they’re wet.
The bush here is thick with nikau palms, tree ferns and puriri trees creating a dense canopy overhead. Even on bright days the track stays fairly shaded, which makes it perfect for those scorching Auckland summer days when you still want to get outdoors without melting.
One insider tip: look for the small stream crossings along the way. After heavy rain these can become surprisingly lively, and kids absolutely love hopping across the stones. The whole track follows Forest Stream downhill, so you’re essentially walking alongside your destination the entire time.
Fairy Falls won’t blow your mind if you’re comparing it to Kitekite Falls, but that’s completely missing the point. This is a delicate ribbon of water cascading down a moss-covered volcanic rock face into a small pool. The viewing platform sits right at the base, giving you an intimate perspective rather than a distant vista.
The waterfall runs year-round but the flow varies dramatically with rainfall. After a few dry weeks it becomes a gentle trickle. After a proper West Coast downpour it transforms into something far more impressive. Check the forecast and if it’s been raining for a day or two before your visit, you’re in for a treat.
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The boardwalks can get properly slippery when wet, which in the Waitakeres means most of the time. Wear shoes with decent grip rather than jandals. I’ve seen more than one person do an ungraceful slide on the wooden steps.
Speaking of wet, the track passes through an area affected by kauri dieback disease. You’ll encounter cleaning stations at the track entrance with spray bottles and scrubbing brushes. Use them. Every single time. Clean your shoes before and after the walk. This isn’t optional theatre, it’s genuinely important for protecting our remaining kauri trees.
Sandflies can be vicious here, particularly in summer and especially around the waterfall where you’ll naturally want to linger. Bring insect repellent or prepare to donate blood to the cause. The mozzies aren’t as bad as the sandflies but they’ll still have a go if you’re standing still for photos.
Early morning wins on multiple fronts. You’ll likely have the falls to yourself, the light filtering through the canopy is magical, and the birds are most active. Tui and kereru are common here, and if you’re lucky you might spot a fantail following you along the track (they’re actually hunting insects you disturb as you walk, cheeky little things).
Autumn brings out the best colours in the foliage, though this isn’t as dramatic as deciduous forests. Winter means more water flow but also more mud. Spring is lovely with new growth everywhere. Summer is the busiest season but also when the swimming hole at the base is most tempting, though it’s pretty shallow and cold even in January.
Find more walks in this area at Katikati walks and coastal tracks.
Here’s what the guidebooks won’t tell you: there’s a small side track just before the main viewing platform that gets you down to pool level. It’s not official and can be a bit scrambly, but if you’re reasonably sure-footed it’s worth it for different photo angles.
The track makes an excellent combo with other Waitakere walks. Cascade Walkway is just down the road, or you could head to Whites Beach walk at Piha afterwards for a proper West Coast beach experience. Make a day of it and hit several shorter walks rather than one massive trek.
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If you’re keen to explore more substantial walks in the area, consider Waitakere Dam Tramline Track or the longer trek to Karekare Falls, both offering more challenging terrain and bigger waterfalls.
This track genuinely works for families with young kids, which isn’t something you can say about every Waitakere walk. The short distance means even little legs can manage it without complaints (well, fewer complaints). The boardwalks and viewing platform make it feel like an adventure without any real danger.
That said, you’ll need to carry very young children or have them in a decent baby carrier. Pushchairs and prams are theoretically possible on parts of the track but honestly more hassle than they’re worth with the steps and narrow boardwalk sections.
The waterfall viewing platform has railings, which is reassuring when you’ve got curious kids who want to see everything up close. It’s also a good spot to teach children about respecting nature, staying on formed tracks and why we clean our boots for kauri dieback.
There is a small pool at the base but it’s quite shallow and cold. People do paddle in summer but it’s not really a swimming destination. If you want a proper swim, head to one of the West Coast beaches afterwards.
Coverage is patchy to non-existent once you’re on the track. Don’t rely on your phone for navigation, though the track is well-marked enough that you won’t get lost.
Unfortunately the steps and uneven surfaces make this challenging for wheelchairs or mobility scooters. The initial descent from the carpark involves stairs. If you can manage steps and uneven ground with a walking aid, it’s doable, but assess your own abilities honestly.
No facilities whatsoever at Fairy Falls. The nearest public toilets are back in Titirangi or at Arataki Visitor Centre further along Scenic Drive. Plan accordingly, especially with kids.
Weekend mornings can see a steady stream of people, but because the walk is so short you rarely encounter crowds at the waterfall itself. People tend to spend a few minutes then head back. Public holidays and school holidays obviously get busier.
No permits required. It’s free to visit and park. Just clean your boots and respect the kauri dieback protocols.
Last weekend I finally made it out to Fairy Falls, and I’m kicking myself for not going sooner. The track is just off Scenic Drive in the Waitakeres, and it’s perfect if you want something beautiful without too much effort.
The walk only took me about 20 minutes each way, winding through this gorgeous native bush. The path is well-maintained and mostly flat, though there are a few tree roots to watch out for. I loved how quiet it was, just birdsong and the sound of the stream getting louder as I got closer.
When I reached the falls, I just stood there for a while. It’s not massive or dramatic, but there’s something really peaceful about it. The water cascades down this moss-covered rock face into a clear pool below. A few other people were there taking photos, but it never felt crowded.
I sat on one of the rocks near the viewing platform and had my coffee. The whole area just feels so lush and green, classic West Auckland rainforest vibes. On the way back, I took my time and spotted some nikau palms I’d rushed past on the way in.
The whole thing took me maybe an hour including sitting around at the falls. It’s genuinely one of those walks where you get a lot of reward for not much effort. Already planning to take some visiting friends there next month.
