The hike to Kitekite Falls stands out as a testament to the beauty and wonder that Aotearoa has to offer. The walk is not far from Piha Beach and is a relatively easy climb. Located on the west coast of the North Island, Kitekite Falls is on the edge of the Waitākere Ranges.

The Waitākere Ranges are a place of pristine bush. However, one of the trees is threatened by disease. Kauri Dieback is a fungus-type of pathogen that damages the Kauri tree’s root system. Before going on any hikes or walks in the Waitākere Ranges, make sure to clean your shoes and other gear!

The trailhead greeted me with an area to cleanse and disinfect my shoes. The track is a graveled path, with boardwalks that lead into a gradual climb to the top of the falls. The hike to Kitekite Falls was a symphony of sights and sounds. The towering trees formed a natural canopy, occasionally parting to reveal glimpses of the sky above. The combination of both natural forest and subtropical plants cemented the term “bush” as a great way to describe Aotearoa’s rural landscape. 

After navigating the trail, I finally caught sight of Kitekite Falls in the distance. The falls tumbled down in a series of cascades, and the water was a beautiful blue that sparkled in the sunlight. I couldn't help but be struck by the sheer power and beauty of Kitekite Falls. As TLC foretold, “Don’t go chasing waterfalls”, but if there was one to run after it would be Kitekite Falls.