Charlie's Rock is supposedly named after a local scuba diver who loved exploring the area, it has now become a popular swimming hole and right of passage for the locals. If swimming in the area please do take care, i've been told that the rescue helicopter has been called several times for people who either slip on the rocks or misjudge on a jump.
In Kerikeri cross the Kerikeri River via Heritage Bypass and turn right into Waipapa Rd. On the first roundabout turn left into Landing Rd and follow it for 1km until you reach a bridge over the Waipapa Stream. Do not cross the stream. Leave your car at a huge car park (on your right) which has a sign ‘Waipapa Landing’. There are toilets and picnic tables available here. It’s a very nice spot to have lunch.
From the car park, cross the road and walk along Landing Rd (direction: towards Kerikeri Centre) for the next 100m until you see a sign ‘Welcome to Charlie's Rock Walkway’. Turn right onto the side-track and follow it for the next 10-15 minutes. The first part of the track is relatively easy. In a few minutes you reach the Waiapa Stream – from here you need to walk upstream until you see the waterfall. The second part of the track is a bit more challenging – it has lots of stones on the track which can be slippery and requires an easy climb at the end. Return via the same track.
DO NOT USE THE ORCHARD TRACK, this is private property, please keep to the official track.Finding Charlie's Rock in Kerikeri – Getting Lost