As part of our three-night Northland adventure reviewing Charly, New Zealand’s only wheelchair-accessible campervan for hire, we were determined to include some of the region’s iconic attractions. One destination that had been high on our list was Otuihau Whangārei Falls.
We did part of the Falls Loop Track from the public carpark to the second bridge below the falls.
Standing 26.3 metres high, Otuihau is one of Northland’s most photographed waterfalls. The Hātea River spills over an ancient basalt lava flow, creating a spectacular curtain of water that is beautiful in every season. Long before it became a popular visitor destination, Otuihau held great significance for local Māori. The falls and surrounding river were an important source of tuna (eel), and the plunge pool below the falls is remembered in oral histories as a place where injured warriors were washed and cared for, giving the site a strong association with healing and wellbeing.
In the 1940s, the surrounding land was protected as a public reserve, ensuring future generations could continue enjoying this remarkable place. Today, the reserve offers picnic areas, viewing platforms, walking tracks and accessible facilities, making it a popular stop for visitors exploring Northland.
First Impressions
Arriving in Charly, we found a designated mobility parking space conveniently located near the entrance. From there, a smooth concrete path led us towards the top of the falls. Even though Charly is a big campervan, we found the mobility parking gave us ample space.
The reserve immediately impressed us.
There was an accessible public toilet, plenty of seating, and even a picnic table with a section thoughtfully designed for a wheelchair user to pull directly up to, alongside everyone else. These may seem like small details, but they make a real difference to whether a family feels welcomed and included.
Although the accessible toilet doesn’t cater to our access needs, we always feel it’s important to include it for others who will value knowing it’s there.
The path continued across a small bridge above the waterfall.
Unfortunately, this is where we encountered the first barrier. Beyond the bridge, a flight of steps prevented us from continuing around to do the full Falls Loop Track.
For many manual wheelchair users, this is where the visit would end.
Fortunately, it wasn’t the end of ours.
Looking Beyond the Barrier
As we turned back, we stopped at the first viewing platform. As I looked out over the waterfall, I couldn’t help thinking how much more inclusive the experience could be if the safety barrier incorporated glass panels. This would allow wheelchair users like Finlay to enjoy an uninterrupted view of the waterfall, rather than having their view partially obscured by the fencing.
On looking over, we spotted another bridge far below the waterfall. It immediately sparked our curiosity.
Could we get there?
Following another concrete pathway around the reserve brought us to a second viewing platform positioned directly opposite the falls.
From here, we were rewarded with a wonderful front-on view of the water cascading over the cliff face. Again, a glass panel here would make a great improvement for Finlay.
The scenery was already spectacular, but we weren’t quite ready to stop exploring.
Beyond the second viewing platform, the concrete gradually gave way to a natural bush trail.
Normally, this is the point where we become cautious. Natural tracks can quickly become inaccessible, particularly for larger powerchairs. As we looked ahead, I also couldn’t help thinking that if we had our JOSI all-terrain manual buggy with us, it would have handled this track well too. My calf muscles, however, would certainly have had a workout pushing it in places!
This trail, however, surprised us.
Although it wasn’t a sealed surface, it was wide enough for comfortable passing, gently graded and, on the day of our visit, dry enough to provide excellent traction. There were a few exposed tree roots, some scattered rocks, and the occasional uneven section, but nothing Finlay’s powerchair couldn’t handle with ease.
Slowly we made our way through the bush, following the winding path towards the sound of rushing water.
Then we reached the lower viewing bridge.
Seeing the Falls from Below
Standing beneath the waterfall was an entirely different experience.
The power of the water, the sound echoing through the valley, and the sheer scale of the cliff created a perspective you simply don’t experience from above.
It was beautiful, and Finlay absolutely loved it.
And so did we.
Finlay’s sister and I were genuinely delighted that we had been able to reach this part of the reserve together. Without taking the opportunity to explore beyond the official viewing platform, we would have missed one of the most memorable parts of our visit.
Accessibility: More Than Meets the Eye
Officially, many accessibility guides simply note that wheelchair users can access the upper viewing area.
Technically, that’s correct.
But our experience showed there is far more available for wheelchair users than many people might expect.
For those using capable powerchairs and comfortable navigating well-maintained natural surfaces, much more of Otuihau can be enjoyed than the official information suggests.
During our visit, we found:
- Designated mobility parking close to the entrance.
- An accessible public toilet.
- Smooth concrete pathways leading to multiple viewing platforms.
- Seating throughout the reserve.
- A picnic table with an integrated wheelchair space.
- A natural trail to the lower viewing bridge that, while uneven in places, remained step-free and manageable for Finlay’s powerchair.
Of course, every wheelchair user has different equipment, experience and confidence levels, so conditions should always be assessed on the day, particularly after heavy rain.
Over the years, we’ve learnt that having the right equipment can open up far more opportunities than you might expect. For those using a manual wheelchair, a FreeWheel or similar all-terrain front attachment can make uneven surfaces much more manageable. Add a helping hand where needed, and places that might initially seem inaccessible can suddenly become achievable.
That’s one of the reasons we love sharing our experiences through Grab Your Wheels, to encourage families to look beyond the obvious barriers and discover what’s possible with the right preparation, equipment, and a sense of adventure.
One Barrier Away
What struck me most during our visit was how close Otuihau Whangārei Falls is to becoming an outstanding accessible attraction.
So much has already been done well. The accessible parking, facilities, pathways, viewing areas and thoughtful picnic seating all demonstrate a genuine commitment to making the reserve welcoming for everyone.
The only significant barrier preventing a fully accessible circuit is the staircase connecting the upper and lower sections of the track.
One day, if an accessible connection could replace or complement those steps, wheelchair users would be able to experience the entire reserve alongside everyone else. I also found myself wishing the fencing at the upper viewing platform incorporated glass panels. This would provide uninterrupted views for wheelchair users, young children, and anyone viewing the waterfall from a seated position, allowing everyone to enjoy the spectacular scenery without the fencing obstructing their line of sight.
Small design changes like these could transform an already impressive reserve into one of New Zealand’s leading examples of inclusive nature tourism.
Final Thoughts
Otuihau Whangārei Falls became one of the unexpected highlights of our Northland road trip.
Not simply because of the spectacular scenery, but because we discovered that accessibility isn’t always limited to what the signs or websites tell you.
Sometimes, with a little curiosity and a willingness to explore, you uncover experiences that many people assume aren’t possible.
There’s something else I’d love people to think about.
When a path isn’t accessible, it isn’t only the wheelchair user who misses out.
Too often, it’s the whole family.
Parents, siblings, grandparents, and friends all find themselves making difficult choices between continuing without their loved one and turning back together.
On this occasion, we didn’t have to make that choice.
Together, we were all able to stand beneath one of Northland’s most beautiful waterfalls, listening to the roar of the water and sharing the experience as a family.
And really, that’s what accessibility should always be about—not simply getting through the gate, but creating opportunities for everyone to experience remarkable places together.
Other Accessible Walks in Northland
- Tāna Mahua, the Giant Kauri Tree
- KeriKeri Rainbow Falls
- More to come!