Taranaki Falls Walk

This track can be walked in either direction with the Falls situated around the halfway point. The lower track (more sheltered on windy days) passes through tussock and alpine shrublands before entering beech forest. On a clear day Ngauruhoe’s symmetrical cone and the older, eroded mountains of Tongariro and Pukekaikiore are visible. Once in the forest, the track descends to Wairere Stream then climbs alongside it, passing Cascade Falls. The track then passes over the Wairere Stream with impressive views of a small narrow gorge. Continuing on up the track, Taranaki Falls comes into view tumbling 20 metres over the edge of a large andesite lava flow which erupted from Ruapehu 15,000 years ago. The trail from the falls climbs up a flight of 100 steps to a forest of mountain toatoa before joining the Tama Lakes Track. Turn right to return to Whakapapa, cross Wairere Stream and climb the shoulder of the lava flow, now covered with red tussock. The return track crosses a series of eroded gullies formed by wind, rain and frost action on volcanic soils. As the trail begins to sidle around the slopes of Mount Ruapehu, it merges with the wider old Waihohonu horse trail. Here, layers of pumice and ash from previous eruptions are exposed. After passing through the last patch of bush, the track emerges again into red tussock and manuka, leading easily back to the village.

From the carpark at Whakapapa Village, cross the road behind the Chateau and walk up Ngāuruhoe Place. The lower track starts 100m from the end of the road. The upper track begins at the end of the road. Use this location in Google Maps to find your way there.

We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . We recommend trying these online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel .

No dogs.