It’s about a 1.5 hour drive, however the last 6.5km section is a gravel road so leave extra time in case it takes you a bit longer. Be aware the walk in and out will also take you about 45 mins each way. You can do it in less, we did it in about 35 mins, but there are some steep climbs that have been washed out in rain making them even more slippery and uneven, so again, it could take you longer if your fitness level and agility is not great. I would ensure a minimum of 6 hours to get here and back to your cruise ship in Napier to be on the safe side. There is a good chance you will do it in less, but I always leave extra time when driving any sort of distance from the ship. Don’t forget you will also need to get a hire car. It’s about a 10 min taxi ride to the airport from the ship and that’s where most of the rental car companies are. I highly recommend Peter from RaD in Napier. New cars compared to most RaD depots, excellent prices, very fast pickup, and Peter actually dropped us back to the ship even though they don’t offer a pickup/drop off service.

No, much to up and down and rocky

maybe you can rent a taxi but better to rent a car instead. You can search through gps.

All depends on upriver rain and flows. But seeing as middle of winter I'd say yes!!!

There are two tracks to Shine Falls (from Heays Access Road and from Pohokura Road via Kamahi Loop Track) - dogs are not allowed on either track. These tracks pass through private farmland and a 'mainland island' that protects native wildlife. See the Department of Conservation website for more information about the tracks.

Hi, no fees or charges for Shine Falls

No. use a carry pack 😊

Yes you can.

no private land but opened to use