Taranaki Falls
A 6-km loop from Whakapapa Village where a 20-meter waterfall pours down from the edge of an ancient lava flow.
The Taranaki Falls loop is the most popular short trail in the national park. It covers about 6 km and takes about 2 hours, starting near the visitor center. The upper section crosses open alpine scrub with views of Ruapehu and Ngāuruhoe. The lower section follows the valley into beech forest, where the waterfall drops about 20 meters from a cliff formed by a lava flow about 15,000 years ago, and you can walk down to the pool at its base. The trail is gentle and suitable for families. It is free and requires no reservation.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Whakapapa Village & Visitor Centre
- Tama Lakes
- Silica Rapids
- Whakapapa Ski Area & Sky Waka
- Tawhai Falls (Gollum's Pool)
- Mount Ngauruhoe
- Tongariro Northern Circuit
- Mount Ruapehu