Auckland
Kitekite Falls: a detailed guide to the Piha bush walk
Walk to Kitekite Falls from Glen Esk Road, Piha. Plan the 2.8 km route, stream crossings, footwear and stops, with practical diagrams and an official map.
| Council mapped route | 2.8 km, including the return |
|---|---|
| Council walking time | 60 minutes, before longer stops |
| Start | 105 Glen Esk Road, Piha |
| Surface | Gravel, boardwalk and stream crossings |
| Fitness | Moderate fitness and steady balance |
| Facilities | Public toilet listed at the trail area |
After heavy rain: avoid the stream crossings near the falls.
Where it is
What to expect
A bush walk near Piha with a multi-tier waterfall as the highlight. The mapped route is about 2.8 km return and takes roughly an hour, plus stops. Expect a gradual climb, gravel, boardwalk and stream crossings near the falls. Moderate fitness and steady balance help.
Finding the start
Start at 105 Glen Esk Road, Piha. Find the route board and footwear-cleaning station at the trail entrance, then follow the Kitekite signs into the bush. Use designated parking and the toilet facilities before setting off. Save the official map before leaving home.
The route
Follow the formed track through forest towards the falls. The route includes a small loop near the waterfall before returning to Glen Esk Road. Stick to the signed route at junctions; upper-pool tracks add a separate climb.
Orange marks the route. Tap the map for a larger view.
Waterfall views and crossings
The lookout gives a clear view of the falls through the bush. Near the falls, the route includes two stream crossings. Avoid these after heavy rain and turn back if the water is high or fast. Keep children close around the water and stay on the formed route.
Time and effort
Allow around an hour of walking, with extra time for photos and a snack. The climbing is moderate, but wet surfaces and crossings need care. For a group uncomfortable with stream crossings, choose a different walk after rain.
What I would bring
I’d take grippy walking shoes, water, a snack and a rain layer in a small pack. Keep your phone dry and carry a saved map and first-aid basics. Clean footwear before and after the walk, using the cleaning stations to help protect kauri.
Before you leave
Check the weather and current Piha track notices. Take rubbish home and keep the entrance clear. Our hiking-boot sizing guide can help you check footwear before the trip.
Maps, sources and image credits
Source check: 26 September 2026. Check the official links for current access and conditions.
- Council route and current notices
- Official interactive route map
- Piha park notices
- Auckland tourism route information
Location photograph: russellstreet, 11 August 2013; CC BY-SA 2.0.
Map imagery: LINZ and Imagery Basemap contributors, under CC BY 4.0; see the LINZ copyright statement. Cropped with route highlights and labels. Route overlay: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.
Updated 26 September 2026: shortened the walking advice and practical planning information.
Additional photo: Carpenter0 at English Wikipedia, 22 January 2008 (original upload date); CC BY-SA 3.0.
