Chasing Waterfalls in Aotearoa

We’re Timo and Sarah Brooky, a couple of adventurers and content creators who can’t get enough of New Zealand’s stunning landscapes.

When people think of Aotearoa, they usually picture incredible mountains, lush forests, and pristine beaches, and honestly, who can blame them?

We’re lucky enough to call this place home, which is inundated with incredible trails that allow us to escape the everyday noise, disconnect whether it’s for a few hours or a few days.

Being born in NZ, hiking is in our DNA. Wherever there’s a view, we’re always keen for an early start or a late finish to tick another walk off our ever-growing bucket list.

Some people might say, “You guys are crazy for getting up at that time in the morning,” or “That’s a late finish just to go for a walk.”

But there’s something about packing the bags, putting on your hiking sandals, and hearing those first footsteps on a trail that just brings us so much joy.

For us, it’s the thrill of being fully immersed in the outdoors—something that we humans have been heavily designed to do—but in today’s age, it’s so easy to stay inside and keep working on that next task or wait for the perfect weather.

Today, we’re out of the office, and we’re excited to take you along with us on a hike to one of our absolute favourites—the stunning Wairere Falls, the tallest waterfall in the North Island. Tucked away in the Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park, this spot is a must-visit for all waterfall lovers.

Wairere Falls faces the west, meaning it has some of the best sunset views in NZ. We rolled up to start the adventure at 3 p.m. on a cloudy afternoon, eager to hit the trail. From the moment we set foot on the path, we were greeted by the amazing sounds of water and birds as we twisted through lush greenery, with streams bubbling alongside us.

As photographers, one of the challenges we always face is deciding when to stop and snap a photo. Seriously, every corner we turned revealed yet another stunning view that had perfect lighting waiting to be captured. We found ourselves pausing constantly, catching our breath, and enjoying the moment.

It’s easy to just try and smash out these hikes without stopping to smell the roses, so with our cameras in hand, we scanned every part of the landscape around us and soaked it all in.

Reaching the Summit with Teva Hydratrek Sandals: A Rewarding Experience

After a few stops and loads of photo ops, we finally made our way to the top. Just before reaching the edge of the waterfall, the stream was shimmering with the most beautiful light.

And on cloudy days, you never know how long the sun will stick around, so we jumped at the chance to capture the moment. Our Teva Hydratrek Sandals were a lifesaver during this hike, providing the grip we needed while we scrambled over rocks and through streams.

Finally, we stood at the edge of Wairere Falls, and wow, the view was absolutely magical. The water spilled down with such power, sending sprays of mist into the air.

There’s nothing quite like that feeling of reaching the summit—a mix of triumph and peace that’s hard to put into words. In Māori culture, we often talk about our deep connection to these incredible landscapes, and for Timo, who grew up in the area and is of Māori descent, standing at the top of Wairere Falls felt like coming home.

In those moments, it hits us just how important these places are - not just for their beauty, but for the stories they hold. They are living parts of our culture and history, and we feel so lucky to share that through our content.

It’s interesting to consider that while we often see ourselves as caretakers of the land, it feels like the land is the one taking care of us. By offering us a space to reconnect and be fully present, it reminds us of our deep connection to nature. We are not just visitors; we are part of this land and are shaped by it.

If you find yourself in New Zealand, grab your Hydratrek Sandals and explore the trails that lead to our stunning waterfalls and mountains. Let yourself disconnect from the chaos of everyday life, embrace the serenity of nature, and make some unforgettable memories along the way. Whether you’re on a short hike or a multi-day adventure, every step in the great outdoors is an opportunity to recharge and reconnect.

There are plenty more epic hikes and waterfalls to visit like Wairere Falls in New Zealand, so we’ve added another two of our top spots that are well worth traveling for:

• Raparapahoe Falls, Bay of Plenty: If the universe made a track for the Hydratrek, it’s this short walk to a refreshing waterhole perfect for swimming.
• Tarawera Falls, Bay of Plenty: The short, scenic hike to the falls takes you through lush native forest and ends with stunning views of one of New Zealand’s most unique waterfalls.

We hope our journey gives you that nudge to get out there and enjoy the outdoors—there’s nothing quite like it!

Follow along for all of Sarah and Timo’s adventures @sarahmbrooky & @timo_brooky