11 October 2026
Partly cloudy with a few showers clearing this evening.
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1 / 48Tongariro National Park
Waitonga Falls Track
The 39 m Waitonga Falls is Tongariro National Park’s highest waterfall. The well-formed track passes through mountain beech and kaikawaka forest.
Distance
4 km
Walking time
1 hr 20 min
Difficulty
Easy
Dogs
Not allowed
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
Outdoor alert
Outdoor alert
Weather outlook
Tongariro National Park forecast
Issued 11 Oct 2026, 7:33 am
12 October 2026
Cloud about the terrain lifting in the morning and becoming mainly fine. Isolated afternoon showers then clouding over again in the evening with possible late drizzle.
13 October 2026
A few showers, widespread and heavier in the afternoon and evening.
14 October 2026
Showers developing.
15 October 2026
Showers, turning to heavy rain, with snow to 1900 metres.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Waitonga Falls Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Waitonga Falls Track
Tongariro National Park’s highest waterfall, the 39 metre Waitonga Falls, is reached via a well-formed track through mountain beech and kaikawaka (mountain cedar) forest. There are some steep stairs towards the end of the track. On clear calm days there are fantastic views of Mount Ruapehu and the surrounding countryside. You can see reflections of the mountain in the Rotokawa pools, part of an alpine wetland area.
Getting there for Waitonga Falls Track
The track begins from the parking area 11 kilometres up the Ohakune Mountain Road. Use this location in Google Maps to find your way there.
Helpful resources
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
Dog access for Waitonga Falls Track
No dogs.
Before you walk Waitonga Falls Track
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.