Taranaki Falls

A Loop to a Waterfall and Volcano Views

The Taranaki Falls Track is a 6 km loop near Whakapapa Village in Tongariro National Park, between Mount Ruapehu and Mt Ngāuruhoe. It is typically walked in about 2 hours, and the loop can be done in either direction on the upper and lower tracks.

Tussock benches, beech forest, and a lava-formed waterfall

The loop passes through open tussock and alpine shrubland on south side of the loop, with a section of beech forest on the north side. The waterfall itself drops 20 m into a rocky pool and sits halfway around the loop. The falls spill over an old lava flow, which helps explain the abrupt rock face and lip, with the boulder-strewn plunge pool below.

The Track Experience

The south side of the loop climbs about 40 metres higher than the start and is more open and exposed, while the lower northern section spends more time in forest and is a better option in windy conditions. Because it is a loop, you can choose your direction depending on the weather and preference.

The Tama Lakes Track begins by following the Taranaki Falls route, then continues beyond the falls onto the more open saddle terrain toward the crater of the Lower Tama and Upper Tama lakes.

The first part of the northern side of the loop is also part of Te Araroa, so you may see through-walkers in Spring and Summer. The track is also a section of the Tongariro Northern Circuit, one of the Great Walks.

Local facilities and what to plan for

This is a well-formed, signposted track close to Whakapapa facilities, but conditions can still be alpine. Wind, low cloud, and winter ice can affect comfort and safety on the open sections. Carry warm layers and be prepared for rapid weather changes.

How to get there

From Wellington, drive north on State Highway 1 to Waiouru, then take the Tongariro / Whakapapa turn-offs via State Highway 49 to State Highway 47 around the west side of Mt Ruapehu, then State Highway 48 to Whakapapa Village. From Auckland, head south on SH1 via Hamilton and Taupō, then take State Highway 47 to Waimarino and State Highway 48 to Whakapapa. The track starts near the Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre and follows the Taranaki Falls Track first.

Nearby is the Tongariro Crossing. Other places to visit include Bruce Road, Tawhai Falls, Makatote Viaduct and Smash Palace on the way to Ohakune.