Papua ( Wigmore's) Waterfall
Papua ( Wigmore's) Waterfall
Papua ( Wigmore's) Waterfall
3
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Reachable by hiking trail or four-wheel vehicle, Rarotonga's only fall is also known as Papua Waterfall, because water from the Papua stream spills down the cliff into a beautiful swimming hole.
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- greg m8 contributionsParadiseHard to think of a more relaxing holiday. An incredible destination, slow paced, crystal clear waters, abundant sealife, magnificent peaks and forests in the interior, no buildings higher than the tallest coconut tree, endless empty beaches, friendly people and the most beautiful lagoons in the Pacific. If, on the other hand, it's about annoying hawkers, cheap tattoo's, hairbrading and cheap bars, this is not for you.Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten 25 April 2024
- doodlebugakj1,443 contributionsVery bumpy drive & had to payDecided since it had rained a lot that it would be nice to see the waterfall. First, we had to pay a man before being allowed in. The road was really bumpy and not clearly marked. Drive past the dog rescue and they all thought we were there for them so felt bad. Was a nice little waterfallVisited November 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 November 2024
- mmybjSydney, Australia26 contributionsWorth the effortThe falls are worth the $5 entrance fee. It does have a cement block and pipe at the top, it is after all part of the water supply, but you can take photos which disguise these. We were really disappointed to see the rubbish left by tourists though. The road is negotiable by car as long as you take your time. Lots of butterflies but be warned cover in repellent as the mozzies are truly gorilla!Visited December 2024Travelled with familyWritten 23 December 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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3.0
652 reviews
Excellent
78
Very good
122
Average
239
Poor
131
Terrible
82
Gardengirl212
Sydney, Australia1,751 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
To find the road leading to the waterfall, look for the colourful structure on the roadside that says "Papua Vai Marere" painted on it. Sometimes the sign below falls over, but it says the same thing.
Popular little spot we discovered as we arrived at Papua Waterfall. It was a short, yet rocky ride in our hire car (not 4WD) up to see the waterfall. Quite a number of people swimming, jumping and picnicking here.
The area is a lovely, lush area but I must admit I was a little underwhelmed by the waterfall itself. I think it was the man-made structures that disappointed me the most. Usually we'd pop in for a dip but we weren't particularly drawn to do so here and were happy to just take some photos and move on.
This is also where you can start or end your trek for the "across the island" walk.
Popular little spot we discovered as we arrived at Papua Waterfall. It was a short, yet rocky ride in our hire car (not 4WD) up to see the waterfall. Quite a number of people swimming, jumping and picnicking here.
The area is a lovely, lush area but I must admit I was a little underwhelmed by the waterfall itself. I think it was the man-made structures that disappointed me the most. Usually we'd pop in for a dip but we weren't particularly drawn to do so here and were happy to just take some photos and move on.
This is also where you can start or end your trek for the "across the island" walk.
Written 6 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ruth T
5 contributions
Apr 2023
We walked up from the main road, a steady rise but nothing too strenuous. Be prepared to pass by the barking dogs at the SPCA.
The water fall was pleasant and relatively peaceful, until visited by the local buggy tours!
We joined the buggy tours the next day and enjoyed the chance to wash off some mud in the pool, which did leave it a little cloudy for a while.
Apparently these tours will be relocating mid 2023.
The water fall was pleasant and relatively peaceful, until visited by the local buggy tours!
We joined the buggy tours the next day and enjoyed the chance to wash off some mud in the pool, which did leave it a little cloudy for a while.
Apparently these tours will be relocating mid 2023.
Written 13 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Duncan W
Wellington, New Zealand359 contributions
Feb 2022
Visited as a consequence of doing the cross-island walk. The water is suitable for swimming. There are picnic tables there. Take the insect repellent as there are mosquitoes. The gates may be locked near the SPCA if you are driving up. The road side is missing - use the SPCA sign as the guide to taking the correct route off the main round the island road.
Written 1 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fiona
South Island, New Zealand27 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
We loved the waterfall, ended up spending many hours swimming in the lovely cool water. Kids loved jumping in off the sides, great fun! There’s lots of butterflies around too. There are also however, a lot of mosquitos, so take your bug spray. Ensure you clean up after yourself too, keep it nice for everyone!
Written 3 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike
Hamilton, New Zealand16 contributions
Mar 2023
Went in March 2023 at the end of the wet season, Waterfall was ok, small by NZ standards, lots of locals swimming in the pool, didn't see any rubbish. Not signposted from ring road. Road to falls about 1km not sealed, a little rough but ok for cars and scooters. Worth a look, these falls are at the end / or beginning of the cross island walk.
Written 22 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LibbyPreston
Auckland, New Zealand33 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Perhaps it was the time of year we visited however this waterfall was very underwhelming. Arriving prepared with towels and ready for a swim - there was little water coming down the waterfall and the water in the pool was stagnant.
Perhaps check with the locals at your resort first if it’s worth a trip - doesn’t take long to get there anyway - road is right next to the derelict Sheraton site and you pass the SPCA so the drive was fine
Perhaps check with the locals at your resort first if it’s worth a trip - doesn’t take long to get there anyway - road is right next to the derelict Sheraton site and you pass the SPCA so the drive was fine
Written 9 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard M
Sydney, Australia81 contributions
Jan 2023
Second trip to the island but first time to the waterfall. I think a must see if it has been raining. But that is a 2 edged sword as it had been raining a bit so the waterfall was moderately good and scenic. However our rental car just made the rough rutted road. If there had been more rain the waterfall would have been better, but the road worse. Give it a miss if there hasn't been rain. take some insect repellant. Some said it was na 10 minute walk from the main road but I think it would be more than that by foot so just drive.
Written 19 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrae V
21 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
We drove up in our little rental, road was doable (just). Waterfall is unmarked so lookout for the concrete ford that you need to cross and the waterfall is about 20 metres past it on the left. If you get to the water tank, you’ve gone too far. We went after 2 days of rain and it was great, was nice to get off the beaten track. Only worth it if you have run out of other things to do or are looking to fill in time though in my opinion.
Written 8 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TML
Newcastle, Australia27 contributions
Oct 2022
The area hadn't been cleaned, there was rubbish. Of course not much atmosphere as they hadn't had enough rain recently. We did meet the volunteers walking the dogs from the SPCA. It was sad to see that it was expats and foreigners, not the locals.
Written 16 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
egeka844
Auckland, New Zealand19 contributions
May 2022
First time to the waterfalls, and they were lovely. Although I felt a little disappointed at the litter and mess left by visitors. The whole area could do with a tidy up however the water was cool, the kids had a ball and it felt nice to be in lush bush with lots of butterflies! Make sure you take your bug spray, mossies are rife up there!
Written 11 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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