Taranaki Falls Track: Ruapehu’s best short walk?

Sarah Steiner

3 years ago

The Taranaki Falls Track is one of Tongariro National Parks best short walks. And the good news is that it’s a great walk to do with kids – the track is a short one and is completed in a loop!

Taranaki Falls is one of the most beautiful and impressive New Zealand waterfalls, and the walk itself is accompanied by stunning views of Mount Ruapehu and Mount Tongariro.

This is as a great option for an easy day walk if you are in the National Park area.

Walk the Taranaki Falls track Ruapehu. — Ice, rivers and beautiful beech forest.

Some quick stats

Distance: 6km return
Track: Loop track
Time needed: Around 2 hours
Track difficulty: Easy
Amenities: There are public toilets at the main Whakapapa Village car park and at the Visitor Information Centre near Chateau Tongariro.

Setting out with Chateau Tongariro in the background.

About Taranaki Falls track

The track is awesome! The first part of the track winds through alpine grassland with epic views of the National Park volcanoes.

And the second part of the loop walk goes through beech forest with some bridged river crossings and smaller rock waterfalls.

If you are lucky to strike out on the Taranaki Falls track on a clear day, you will see Ngauruhoe’s beautifully symmetrical cone from the first, lower part of the track.

A peep of the majestic Mount Ngaruhoe from beneath the clouds.

The track descends into forest and then climbs alongside the beautiful Wairere Stream.

A bridge crosses Wairere Stream with beautiful views up the narrow gorge.

We walked the track at the beginning of winter so once out of the shelter of the forest, parts of the small stream were iced over!

Taranaki Falls comes into view with an impressive 20 metres of tumbling water. It is possible to get right up close to the waterfall (depending on how wet/warm you feel like staying!).

There are a few picnic tables near the waterfall and otherwise some ideal rocks for a rest and snack break before continuing on.

The trail climbs up a flight of 100 steps from the waterfall into a forest of mountain toatoa before joining the Tama Lakes Track to return to Whakapapa.

Hiking Taranaki Falls track with kids

As far as New Zealand walking tracks go, the trail to Taranaki Falls is ideal with kids. It isn’t too long (completed in around 2 hours) and it isn’t steep or technically difficult.

We hiked to the falls in winter and the track was not difficult, even after some recent rain.

The section of the trail that follows alongside Wairere Stream is beautiful and interesting for kids. (The boys found it most exciting to find the frozen rocks and shards of ice as we crossed the lower streams!).

There is space for a picnic or a snack to encourage that last needed burst of energy for the final leg from the waterfall back to Whakapapa Village.

Overall, it’s a great family walk and suitable for all levels!

Finding all kinds of interesting things along the way.

Things to know before you go

Take plenty of water: Even if you are hiking in winter make sure to carry enough water for the duration of your walk.
Comfortable walking footwear: Hiking boots are not necessary for this trail but you do need a good, comfortable pair of walking shoes.
Appropriate clothing and layers: Regardless of the time of year, layers of clothing are the best approach.

We dressed the kids the same way; a singlet, thermal layer, fleece, and waterproof/windproof outer layer.

It can be warm starting out in the sunshine but the shade is cool in winter! And yes – we did get a bit of rain on the track.

Happy with waterproof outer layers today!

Finding the track

The Taranaki Falls track is located in Whakapapa Village on SH48.

The entrance to the track starts 100m below the Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre on Ngaurohoe Place.

Getting there

From National Park Village, the Taranaki Falls track is roughly a 20 minute drive. The road to Whakapapa Village is a sealed State Highway and is well signposted.

From National Park Village follow State Hwy 48 to Whakapapa Village. As soon as you enter the village follow the signs to ‘Taranaki Falls’ until you find a small carpark at the end of Ngaruhoe Terrace.

Alternatively, there is also a large free carpark in Whakapapa Village with toilets and a public picnic area.