Rere Falls

Description

Ah, the Rere Falls – a hidden gem tucked away in New Zealand’s stunning landscape. Let me tell you, this place is nothing short of magical. Picture this: a sheet of water cascading over a 20-meter drop, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that’ll leave you slack-jawed. It’s not your run-of-the-mill waterfall, folks. This beauty is wide, really wide, stretching about 20 meters across. The result? A curtain of water that’s simply breathtaking.

Now, I’ve seen my fair share of waterfalls, but there’s something about Rere that just hits different. Maybe it’s the way the sunlight catches the mist, creating little rainbows on a good day. Or perhaps it’s the thunderous roar of the water that makes you feel small in the best possible way. Whatever it is, it’s got that special sauce that keeps visitors coming back for more.

But here’s the kicker – Rere Falls isn’t just about standing and gawking (though you’ll do plenty of that). It’s an experience. The adventurous souls among you might want to bring a boogie board or a kayak. Yeah, you heard that right. When conditions are right, you can actually slide down parts of the falls. Talk about an adrenaline rush!

For those who prefer to keep their feet on solid ground, don’t worry. The area around the falls is perfect for a picnic. Imagine munching on your sandwiches with that magnificent view as your backdrop. Not too shabby, eh?

Now, I gotta be honest with you. Rere Falls isn’t exactly Times Square when it comes to crowds. And thank goodness for that! It’s off the beaten path, which means you might have this slice of paradise all to yourself if you time it right. The peace and tranquility here are off the charts. It’s the kind of place where you can hear yourself think – when the waterfall isn’t roaring, that is.

But don’t let its secluded nature fool you. This isn’t some underwhelming trickle of water. Rere Falls packs a punch, especially after a good rain. The sheer volume of water tumbling over that ledge is impressive, to say the least. It’s nature flexing its muscles, and boy, is it a sight to behold.

One thing I love about Rere is how accessible it is. You don’t need to be a seasoned hiker or carry oxygen tanks to get here. The falls are right there, practically greeting you as you arrive. It’s refreshing to find such a spectacular natural wonder that doesn’t require a Herculean effort to reach.

And let’s talk about the surrounding scenery for a sec. The lush greenery, the rocky outcrops, the crystal-clear pool at the base of the falls – it’s like Mother Nature decided to show off all her best features in one spot. Bring your camera, folks. Your Instagram feed will thank you.

But Rere Falls isn’t just a pretty face. It’s got character. The way the water flows changes with the seasons, giving you a different experience each time you visit. In summer, it might be a gentle cascade perfect for a refreshing dip. Come winter, it could transform into a thunderous torrent that’ll make your jaw drop.

Look, I’ve been to a lot of places, seen a lot of sights. But there’s something about Rere Falls that keeps pulling me back. Maybe it’s the raw beauty, the sense of discovery, or just the way it makes you feel small in the grand scheme of things. Whatever it is, this place has got its hooks in me. And I’ve got a feeling it’ll do the same to you.

Key Features

• A impressive 20-meter high and 20-meter wide waterfall
• Natural water slide for the adventurous (when conditions permit)
• Picturesque picnic area with stunning views
• Crystal-clear pool at the base of the falls
• Easily accessible, no hiking required
• Relatively secluded location, often uncrowded
• Surrounding lush greenery and rocky outcrops
• Changing character of the falls throughout the seasons
• Perfect spot for photography enthusiasts
• Natural swimming hole (always check conditions first)

Best Time to Visit

Alright, let’s talk timing. When’s the best time to hit up Rere Falls? Well, that’s gonna depend on what you’re after.

If you’re all about that summer fun, December to February is your sweet spot. The weather’s warm, the days are long, and the water’s… well, it’s still gonna be chilly, but refreshing! This is prime time for picnics, swimming, and maybe even trying out that natural water slide if conditions are right. Just keep in mind that summer weekends can get a bit busier. Nothing crazy, mind you, but you might have to share your slice of paradise with a few other lucky souls.

Now, if you’re more into the whole ‘waterfall in all its glory’ thing, you might wanna aim for late winter to early spring. That’s around August to October. Why? Well, that’s when you’re likely to see Rere Falls at its most impressive. All that winter rain and melting snow means the falls are usually pumping. It’s a sight to behold, let me tell you. The downside? It’ll be cooler and you probably won’t be doing much swimming. But hey, that’s what warm jackets are for, right?

Autumn, which is March to May down here in New Zealand, is a bit of a wildcard. You could get some stunning days with the falls framed by trees turning golden. Or you could get rain. Either way, it’s beautiful. The water flow is usually still pretty good from the summer rains, but the crowds have thinned out. It’s a great time for photographers looking to capture some moody shots.

Winter, June and July, can be magical if you don’t mind the cold. The falls can freeze partially in really cold snaps, creating some out-of-this-world ice formations. It’s not common, but when it happens, wow! Just be careful if you’re visiting in winter. The roads can get slippery and the rocks around the falls can be treacherous when wet or icy.

Here’s a pro tip: try to visit on a weekday if you can. Regardless of the season, you’ll have a better chance of having the place to yourself. There’s something special about standing alone in front of Rere Falls, trust me.

And hey, don’t discount rainy days! Sure, you might get a bit wet, but the falls are spectacular after a good downpour. Just make sure you’ve got appropriate gear and watch your footing.

Ultimately, there’s no bad time to visit Rere Falls. Each season brings its own charm. It’s more about what you want to experience. Swim and slide in summer, marvel at the power in spring, capture the colors in autumn, or brave the chill for some winter wonder. Whatever you choose, I reckon you’re in for a treat.

How to Get There

Alright, adventurers, let’s talk about how to actually get to this slice of paradise. Now, I’m not gonna lie to you – Rere Falls isn’t exactly on the main tourist drag. But hey, that’s part of its charm, right?

First things first, you’re gonna want to head to Gisborne. It’s a lovely little city on the East Coast of New Zealand’s North Island. If you’re flying in, Gisborne Airport is your best bet. From there, you’re looking at about a 50-minute drive to the falls. Not too shabby, eh?

Now, here’s where it gets a bit tricky. Once you leave Gisborne, you’ll be heading southwest on Wharekopae Road. It’s sealed for the first part, but don’t get too comfy. The last stretch is gravel. It’s usually in decent nick, but I’d recommend a sturdy vehicle if you’ve got the choice. My old beater made it just fine, but it wasn’t exactly a smooth ride, if you know what I mean.

Here’s a tip: don’t rely too heavily on your GPS. Cell service can be spotty out there, and you don’t want to end up on some farmer’s back road. Old school map reading skills might come in handy. Or do what I did the first time – write down the directions before you head out. Trust me, it’ll save you some headaches.

As you’re cruising along Wharekopae Road, keep your eyes peeled for the Rere Falls sign. It’ll be on your right, and it’s not exactly Times Square when it comes to signage. But don’t worry, you can’t miss the falls themselves. They’re right there by the road. No hiking required!

Now, I know some of you might be thinking about public transport. I hate to break it to ya, but unless you’re hitching a ride with a friendly local, you’re outta luck. This is definitely a bring-your-own-wheels kind of destination.

If you’re coming from further afield, like Auckland or Wellington, you’re in for a bit of a road trip. But hey, that’s half the fun, right? The drive from Auckland will take you the better part of a day, around 6-7 hours. From Wellington, you’re looking at about 8 hours. My advice? Break it up with some stops along the way. The East Cape has some gorgeous spots that are worth checking out.

One last thing – make sure you’ve got enough fuel before you head out from Gisborne. There aren’t exactly gas stations on every corner out there. Running out of gas in the middle of nowhere? Not fun. Trust me on that one.

So there you have it. Getting to Rere Falls might take a bit of effort, but I promise you, it’s worth every kilometer. The drive itself is pretty spectacular, winding through some of New Zealand’s most beautiful countryside. And when you finally lay eyes on those falls? Well, let’s just say you’ll forget all about the journey. Happy travels!

Tips for Visiting

Alright, folks, gather ’round. Let’s chat about how to make the most of your visit to Rere Falls. I’ve been here more times than I can count, and I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way. So, here’s the inside scoop.

First up, let’s talk gear. You’re gonna want to bring a good pair of shoes with decent grip. The rocks around the falls can get slippery, and the last thing you want is to take an unexpected dip. Trust me, I learned this the hard way. My pride’s still recovering.

Speaking of dips, if you’re planning on swimming or sliding, bring a change of clothes and a towel. The water’s refreshing (read: cold), and you’ll appreciate having some dry duds for the ride home. Oh, and water shoes aren’t a bad idea if you’ve got ’em. Those rocks can be a bit sharp on bare feet.

Now, let’s talk food. There aren’t any cafes or restaurants nearby, so pack a picnic. I always bring more snacks than I think I’ll need. Something about the fresh air makes you extra hungry. And don’t forget plenty of water. Stay hydrated, people!

If you’re into photography (and trust me, you’ll want to snap some pics), bring a waterproof case for your camera or phone. The spray from the falls can reach further than you might expect. I’ve seen more than one tourist with a sadly waterlogged device.

Here’s a hot tip: bring insect repellent. The sandflies can be a bit pesky, especially in the warmer months. A little bug spray goes a long way towards keeping your visit itch-free.

Now, let’s talk about the slide. If conditions are right and you’re feeling adventurous, sliding down the falls is a blast. But please, please, please check the water levels and flow before you try it. What looks like a fun ride can quickly turn dangerous if the water’s too high or fast. And always slide feet first. Your noggin will thank you.

Location

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