On a sunny March weekend in summer 2021, we decided to visit a few of our local attractions in the Waikato region, mainly the Mangapohue Natural Bridge Walk located on the scenic drive from Waitomo Village to Marokopa.

The Mangapohue Natural Bridge Walk is an impressive limestone gorge that passes underneath a 17m high natural arch. It’s free to visit and is definitely a must-see on your journey through Waikato.

After completing the walk, we talked to some travellers who recommended the Marokopa Falls just down the road, so we thought, while we were here, we should check it out. We parked on the side of the road near the small entrance to the short track through tawa and nikau forest down to the viewing platform. Nothing prepares you for what lies ahead.

The Marokopa falls are spectacular and are probably the best I have seen in New Zealand. The Marokopa River cascades over the undercut greywacke basement rock, falling 35 meters to the river below.

As you get closer to the falls, you can feel the power of the water – it would easily knock you off your feet. Imagine then viewing the great waterfalls of the world? Add this to your New Zealand travel wishlist – it is definitely worth the drive and walk!