Charlie's Rock is a waterfall and swimming hole located close to Kerikeri on the Waipapa Stream. Previously difficult to get to due to access being on private property, a 500-metre public walkway was developed in 2010 by the Far North District Council in conjunction with local high school students from Springbank School.
Allowing easy access to what is considered one of the area's finest swimming spots, it's a great place to enjoy a refreshing dip on a hot day. The waterfall flows out of surrounding cliffs, building up a warm layer of water in the pool in summer months.
Products and specialities
Waterfall
Swimming hole
Reviews
This time I'm loving this place out of a must! It must be part of this list, as it's such a part of Kerikeri and one of my favorite places in Northland too. Located just on the outskirts of Kerikeri, with local knowledge you'll be sure to find it (ask anyone, trust me they'll know.) A beautiful waterfall flows down in to a picturesque stream. It offers various leaping and sunbathing spots on the surrounding ledges. If you're a tourist and looking for somewhere to cool off, this is the spot to go.
This is a hidden gem! Ask anyone in town about waterfalls or swimming holes and I guarantee talk of Charlie’s Rock will follow! So perfect for lounging about on the warm rocks between dips. It’s a small walk from the car park and not well sign posted either, but that adds to the wonder of the place. On the walk in you get to cross some real lovely meadows too. It’s such a treat to see the look on new comers faces when you introduce them to this treasure!
This place is epic! It’s a beautiful waterfall surrounded by huge pillars and steps that make for awesome jumping platforms. It’s the local hot spot for cooling off, and anytime during the summer you’ll find plenty of them bathing and bombing around this gem. It’s a little hard to find, but the locals are bound to point you in the right direction - remember Charlies Rock!
Charlie's Rock is a local sweet spot. It's a super cool swimming hole that you can get to by starting at Cherry Park House and following the boundary of the Kerikeri Croquet Club before dropping down to the river bank. There are cliffs surrounding the swimming hole that go from 4m to 12m in height. The waterfall flows in at a 4-5m point. The water is so deep no one I know has ever touched the bottom! In summer the heat warms up the waterfall which makes for an awesome warm top layer then a chilly refreshing bottom layer if you dive down. Give it a go, it's awesome :)
