Charlie’s Rock is a popular swimming hole in Kerikeri, a 15-minute walk up Waipapa River from Landing Road.
Photo: Supplied / Peter de Graaf

A teenage girl has been rescued by helicopter after falling from rocks at a popular Kerikeri swimming hole.

The accident occurred at Charlie’s Rock, on the Waipapa River, about 3.50pm.

A police spokeswoman said the 15-year-old fell about six metres onto rocks, hurting her head and hips.

The Northland Rescue Helicopter winched her out of the swimming hole, which is accessible only on foot, just before 6pm.

She was airlifted to hospital. Her condition was not immediately known.

A LandSAR search and rescue team was also sent to the area in case she needed to be carried out.

A witness said the girl was intending to jump, hesitated, and fell down the rocks.

She was conscious but complained of being unable to feel her legs, he said.

Charlie’s Rock is a deep swimming hole formed by a waterfall dropping over the edge of an ancient lava flow.

A series of rocks about five to six metres above the water are popular jumping-off points but accidents have occurred in the past.

It is accessed by a 15-minute walking track along the river which starts on Landing Road, near Waipapa Landing.