Last Updated: 13th Nov 2023

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Kitekite Falls & Beyond

Piha, Auckland

Submitted by Robyn Lesh

Last Updated: 13th Nov 2023

Beginner

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I've done it Done

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Closed More info

Closed due to Cyclone damage.

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Grunt Factor: 12 ?

Gnarl Factor: 27 ?

6.3km

Length of run

400m

Total Ascent

400m

Total Descent

230m

Highest point

Driving Time

Driving Distance

Directions to start

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Out and Back

Very hilly

Native bush

Riverside

Run Makeup

80%

15%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +10.6%

Average Downhill Gradient: -10.6%

Trailhead

Estimated Times to Run

1:00

Slow

0:45

Moderate

0:30

Fast

GPX File

Topo Map

3D Satellite

Guide

A well maintained quick out & back. Can be crowded if a busy day but still run-able with some slowing to pass groups. On an off-peak day would be great for a hill-send or a chiller chip-away at the elevation.

Easy to navigate (simply stay on the trails) and stay right when you have a choice. Would absolutely recommend coming into the falls from the trail on the west side of the stream, a great view-point of the full height of the falls which can't be seen from the base. A nice swimming hole under the falls and a good hill-effort to the road at the top.

Not a lot to see at the turn-around, except for a good feeling of achievement and anticipation for the cool water of the falls on the way down.

Summary, relatively chill up-hill on boardwalks & trails until the falls (elevation gain of 83m), after the falls is a steep section followed by a steady climb and another steep section to the turn-around.

Awesome waterfall half-way up, great for a swim on the way down!

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Transport and parking:

Good amount of parking. No public transport

Distance from Piha:

1 km

Driving time from Piha:

3 minutes

Dog friendly:

Unknown

Landowner permission required:

Navigation Rating:

Easy.

Navigation Tips:

There are a few options in regards to which side of the river for the first half. We mostly took the west side, either would be lovely.

Cellphone Coverage:

Patchy.

Suggested Gear List:

Windproof jacket, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

Availability of Water:

Water at the trailhead and from the stream at the falls, your choice.

Seasonality Issues:

Might be slightly muddy in places in the wet season but mostly gravel & boardwalks so should be pretty good year-round.

Phia Cafe
20 Seaview Road, Piha 0772
https://www.facebook.com/thepihacafe/
Ice blocks & snacks!

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Trail Reviews

Mark Craig

One of my locals! Nice run but busy on the weekend.

Mark Craig

March 3, 2021

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