Taranaki Falls is a stunning waterfall located in Tongariro National Park on New Zealand’s North Island. The falls are fed by the Wairere Stream (not to be confused with the Wairere Falls) and plummet down a 20-metre descent, surrounded by alpine views and stunning volcanic scenery.

The impressive Taranaki Falls

The Taranaki Falls Walk is a scenic hiking trail that guides visitors on a picturesque adventure to both the base and top of the waterfall. This loop track is easy and suitable for individuals of all ages and fitness levels.

During the hike, you will traverse through lush native beech forests, volcanic terrains, and open alpine shrubland. The trail also offers captivating views of the famed Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe in the distance.

Taranaki Falls Walk is an easy and very scenic hike Tongariro National Park

Although the most famous hike in the Tongariro National Park is the 19.4 kilometre Tongariro Alpine Crossing, the Taranaki Falls Walk is an easy alternative to it. More so if the weather doesn’t permit you to access the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

The Taranaki Falls Walk allows you to experience the stunning landscape and scenic views of the park at any time, making it a popular hike for many visiting the Tongariro National Park.

At the Taranaki Falls in Tongariro National Park

About the Taranaki Falls Track

Taranaki Falls Track map, distance, and elevation profile

The Taranaki Falls Track is a 6 km loop located in the southern part of Tongariro National Park, showcasing the stunning Taranaki Falls as its main highlight. The track is roughly divided into two, almost equal parts,

1. Lower Taranaki Falls Track, and
2. Upper Taranaki Falls Track

This well-maintained track is easy and suitable for hikers of all levels. And unlike some other hikes in the area, the track can be accessed even during winter or in poor weather conditions.

The Taranaki Falls itself is an impressive waterfall that plunges 20 meters down amidst a backdrop of lush alpine scenery. And the hike is a 2-hour journey that immerses visitors in the breathtaking landscapes of Tongariro National Park.

A picturesque hike that leads you to a stunning waterfall

Many hikers opt to extend their adventure by combining the Taranaki Falls with a visit to the Tama Lakes. Adding a visit to the Lower Tama Lake and Upper Tama Lake will increase the hike’s length by an additional 12 km, resulting in a total excursion of almost 18 km.

Map of all hikes in the Tongariro National Park. The Taranaki Falls Track is located in the south of the park

In this guide, we will focus solely on the Taranaki Falls Track, providing detailed directions and insights on what to expect during the walk.

Things to carry

1. Water (1 litre should suffice) and snacks
2. Water and windproof jacket
3. Warm layers (the weather can quickly change)
4. Sun protection (sunglasses, hat/cap, sunscreen)
5. Hiking shoes (sneakers are fine too as this isn’t a very technical hike)

How to get to the Taranaki Falls Walk Starting Point

The Taranaki Falls Track starts and ends from Ngauruhoe Place, next to the Skotel Alpine Resort in Whakapapa Village. To arrive here, turn onto Bruce Road (State Highway 48) from State Highway 47 in Tongariro National Park.

Once you arrive at Whakapapa Village, you’ll be greeted by the beautiful and abandoned Chateau Tongariro Hotel. Seriously, the structure looks straight out of a Wes Anderson movie.

The Chateau Tongariro Hotel reminded me something from a Wes Anderson film

Parking your vehicle

There are a few parking locations on either side of Bruce Road, next to Chateau Tongariro Hotel. However, if those are full, you can also par your car on the side of the highway.

I would advise parking your car here, as opposed to finding a spot on Ngauruhoe Place. The car parking on Ngauruhoe Place is usually reserved for guests of the Skotel Alpine Resort, with very few spots available for non-guests.

Walk to the Starting Point

Once you park your car, walk towards Chateau Tongariro Hotel and turn onto Ngauruhoe Place road (follow signs for Taranaki Falls Track) just behind it. Walk for approximately 250 metres till you arrive at the entrance for the Lower Taranaki Falls Track. This is the starting point.

Turn onto Ngauruhoe Terrace and follow the signs for Taranaki Falls Track

To Wairere Stream

The first 1.5 km of the Lower Taranaki Falls Track is a gentle descent to the Wairere Stream. This section of the walk consists of a dirt track with loose gravel and is surrounded by alpine bushland.

The start of the Lower Taranaki Falls Track

As you enter the track, prepare to be awestruck by the breathtaking views of Mount Ngauruhoe! For those unaware, Mount Ngauruhoe was used as a stand-in for the fictional Mount Doom in The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. The view of the snow-capped volcanic cone across the alpine landscape is truly captivating and unforgettable.

The start of the Lower Taranaki Falls Track is flat and easy but without shade. The first shaded area appears approximately 80 metres into the hike, where the track gently descends and crosses a small stream.

Continuing onwards, the track returns to the familiar landscape adorned with shrubs. But this time, offering panoramic views of the magnificent Mount Ruapehu to your right and a sprawling field of alpine shrubbery to your left, making for a delightful visual feast.

After another approximately 400 metres, the track descends and transitions into a beech forest, guiding you towards a footbridge that spans over the Wairere Stream.

It is at this juncture that the track diverges – the Lower Taranaki Falls Track proceeds straight ahead towards the Taranaki Falls, while the Mangatepopo Track commences on the opposite side of the footbridge.

Follow signs for Taranaki Falls to stay on Lower Taranaki Falls Track

Feel free to step onto the bridge to take a break, and appreciate the beautiful Wairere Stream.

Continue Along Wairere Stream

The following section of the Taranaki Falls Walk is my favourite.

And the track continues through the beech forest

After the footbridge, the path leads you through a peaceful forested area right alongside the picturesque Wairere Stream, offering a truly serene hiking experience.

This section of the hike has the stream running alongside it

Initially, the track follows the stream, occasionally climbing and descending to the water’s edge. You can also step down and touch its freezing water!

As the trail gradually ascends, it remains parallel to the stream but at a higher vantage point, offering a different perspective of the surroundings.

Further ahead, the view of the stream disappears as you pass through the canopy of trees. Although the stream may no longer be visible, its soothing sounds continue to accompany you.

Continue walking under the canopy of trees

The murmur of the stream grows louder as you near the edge of the forested area, signalling your approach towards the end of this tranquil stretch. Emerging from the shade, a new footbridge comes into view, positioned next to a charming little cascade.

Take a moment to pause and appreciate the beauty of this miniature waterfall, offering a perfect spot for a refreshing break before continuing along the Taranaki Falls Walk.

Such a pretty cascade on the Wairere Stream

To Taranaki Falls

From the bridge, Taranaki Falls is approximately 500 metres away.

And we continue hiking after admiring the tiny cascade

As the tracks moves away from the lush beech forest area, it transitions into a dry and arid landscape. Continue walking on the undulating terrain as the roar of the waterfall becomes louder.

From a distance, the Taranaki Falls comes into view, its powerful cascade plummeting 20 meters down over the edge of a large andesite lava flow which erupted from Mount Ruapehu 15,000 years ago!

And the waterfall finally comes into view!

And as you draw closer, you can feel the sheer force of the water in motion.

While the view of Taranaki Falls from the track is impressive, I recommend descending onto the rocks for a closer look.

From this vantage point, you can fully appreciate the grandeur of the gushing falls and follow the water as it flows down the eroded gorge.

Come down to the rocks to get a front row seat to the Taranaki Falls and Wairere Stream

Take your time to soak in the beauty of Taranaki Falls and marvel at its surroundings.

Just admiring the beauty of Taranaki Falls

To The Upper Taranaki Falls Track

Chances are you may have spotted people admiring the view from the top of Taranaki Falls while you stood below. Well, your next destination is exactly there.

Head back to the Lower Taranaki Falls Track and continue your hike into the forested area.

As the trail leads you into the shade of the trees, get ready for a short but steep climb up to the cliff’s summit.

Beginning the short by steep climb to the top of the cliff

Once you reach the top of the steps, you’ve reached the endpoint of the Lower Taranaki Falls Track.

Approaching the end of the Lower Taranaki Falls Track

From here, the path splits – the Upper Taranaki Falls Track veers off to the right, while the Tama Lakes Track also begins at the same point. If you’ve decided to extend your adventure to the Tama Lakes, turn left.

Another juncture where the track splits. To stay on the Taranaki Falls Track, follow the signs for Whakapapa Village. Else, go left for the Tama Lakes Track

However, if your main focus is solely on completing the Taranaki Falls Walk loop, then turn to the right (signs for Whakapapa Village) and continue on your journey.

To The Top of Taranaki Falls

The Upper Taranaki Falls Track returns you to the familiar terrain full of rocks and gravel, with breathtaking views of Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe.

A short, 100-metre walk brings you to the top of the Taranaki Falls. Be careful as you step close to the edge of the cliff to admire the view of the valley below and the bottom of the falls, where you just were moments ago.

Along the track, is a bridge that crosses the Wairere Stream that feeds the waterfall just metres ahead.

The stunning view of Wairere Stream and Mount Ruapehu from on top of Taranaki Falls

Standing on the bridge, you can admire the stunning view of the stream as it makes its way downstream. And further, in the distance, is the magnificent Mount Ruapehu, from where this stream is born.

Complete the Taranaki Falls Walk

Once you’ve taken in the breathtaking view from the top of Taranaki Falls, it’s about a 2.8 km journey back to the Skotel Alpine Resort.

Time to hike to Whakapapa Village

Although there isn’t a stream along the track, the views of the Mount Ruapehu and its eroded gullies, and Mount Ngauruhoe make this a scenic return.

Turning around to take one last glimpse of this view

As we continued, I found it hard to choose between gazing towards the impressive Mount Ruapehu or stealing glances at the captivating Mount Ngauruhoe behind us.

The stunning path winds its way through the rugged mountain landscape, meandering through shrubland with captivating views.

Along the way, you’ll cross two more streams, though they may not be as spectacular as the sights you’ve already enjoyed.

After crossing the two footbridges over those streams, the Upper Taranaki Falls Track gently begins its descent along an eroded gully to another beech forest.

And although the lush canopy of trees shades you from the sun, it limits the panoramic views you’ve been admiring.

A brief 500-metre walk beyond the shaded section brings you to the end of the Taranaki Falls Track, concluding this scenic and enjoyable hike!

Our guide to Taranaki Falls

The Taranaki Falls Track is a perfect option if you’re strapped for time but want to explore the beauty of the Tongariro National Park.

The spectacular Taranaki Falls in Tongariro National Park

However, if you’re in the park for a longer period of time, we highly recommend also covering the Tama Lakes Track and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

After the Taranaki Falls Walk, if you still want to see another waterfall, make sure you visit Tawhai Falls, popularly known as Gollum’s Pool. This 13 metre high waterfall is best known as the filming location for the scene with the Forbidden Pool in “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers”. Gollum’s Pool is a short drive, downhill on State Highway 48 and is a 15-minute return walk. You can learn about Gollum’s Pool in our guide.

Even if you’re not a fan of the movies, Tawhai Falls deserves a visit

And speaking of The Lord of the Rings, a short drive, uphill on State Highway 48 is the location of the Mead’s Wall. This location also featured in the film depicting Emyn Muil, the barren, rocky landscape in which Frodo and Sam had a difficult time crossing before they meet Gollum. You can read our short guide on how to reach the Mead’s Wall.

Recreating the scene from The Lord of the Rings at Meads Wall

We hope that our guide and photos have been helpful in planning your excursion to Taranaki Falls, and that you’ve found them to be informative resources for your visit. Safe travels!

Look at us all happy at Taranaki Falls