From Waitaanga Road South, head southeast along a well-formed farm track for 3km to the entrance to the Waitaanga Conservation Area and the track proper. This is just off the farm track on the left and over a stile.

Then, follow a historic logging tramway through regenerating kāmahi. It’s almost level, with numerous small footbridges and six swingbridges that cross Waitaanga Stream. In some places there is encroaching vegetation and occasional windfall. Take care as there are sleepers and some large railway spikes that’ll trip the unwary. Robins and pīwakawaka are near-constant companions. 

The track meanders south-easterly for the first 4km, then curves to the northeast.

There’s a small clearing at 8km and a larger clearing with Te Rerepahupahu Falls Hut another kilometre on. The hut has four bunks, kennels, a good cooking surface, a wood stove and a shower. It’s mainly used by goat and deer cullers but is a decent spot for lunch and a place to fill water bottles.

As the track heads east, it deviates from the map. Markers are obvious, though, and it is simple to follow. About 600m from the hut the track turns to the southeast, leaves the tramway and ascends. There is a marked change in vegetation here with tōtara and rimu present. It’s sometimes steep up to the ridge to cross Pt510 before turning southwest to follow a narrow ridgeline with grinding slopes. At times the roar of Te Rerepahupahu Falls can be heard, but there are only scant views.

At 11.5km the track leaves the ridge to head down a spur on a steep, technical descent, with a ladder approximately halfway down. At the bottom of the descent the track is signposted to turn right. After 300m of rough track is the pool at the base of the 60m-high falls to which the Waitaanga Stream descends in a single drop. 

There’s a campsite on a small grassy knoll directly opposite the falls. It is sheltered and large enough for a couple of two-person tents.