Tongariro National Park is a dramatic landscape. Best known for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, the park has many short walks to spectacular waterfalls. Using the Wellington Tramping & Mountaineering Club (WTMC) Lodge as a base was perfect for exploring both the well-known waterfalls and a few secret hidden gems.

Iconic & Accessible Falls

1. TARANAKI fALLS (20m)

Taranaki Falls is a quintessential Tongariro experience. The water plunges 20 meters over the edge of a 15,000-year-old andesite lava flow erupted from Mt Ruapehu.

• Distance: 6km loop
• Time: 2 hours (return)
• Starting Point: Whakapapa Village
• What to expect: A well-graded track offering panoramic views of Mt Ngauruhoe, Tongariro, and Pukekaikiore. This path also intersects with the Tama Lakes track, a gateway to the park

2. Waitonga Falls (39m)

Labelled as the highest falls in the park by DoC, the Waitonga Falls are worth visiting more for the scenery surrounding the waterfalls than the actual waterfalls themselves. 

• Distance: 4km return
• Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (return)
• Starting Point: Ohakune Mountain Road
• Highlights: The walk passes through the Rotokawa pools that form part of the alpine wetlands. On a calm day, the reflection of Mt Ruapehu in the water is a great photography spot. The bush is a beautiful mix of Beech and Mountain Cedar (Kaikawaka).

Top Tip: For a longer walk or trail run, continue the trail through to Blyth Hut.

Hidden Gems: Off-the-Beaten-Path

While Waitonga Falls are cited by DoC as the highest, there are several “secret” waterfalls that are actually higher.

The True Highest Falls (56m)

Located northeast of Mangaturuturu Hut on the Round the Mountain Track, this spectacular 56m waterfall is the park’s true height champion.

• The Route: From the Ohakune Mountain Road, walk into Mangaturuturu Hut, then allow roughly 1.5 hours to rock-hop up the Mangaturuturu River. There are some cairns but navigation is very straight forward since the route is just following the river
• Safety Warning: This route requires multiple river crossings. Do not attempt this if the river is in flood or heavy rain is forecast.

Whakapapaiti Secret Falls (43m)

Another hidden treasure lies southeast of Whakapapaiti Hut. This 43m waterfall, is the third highest waterfall in the park and feels worlds away from the crowds. It can be turned into a loop by continuing past the falls up to Iwikau Village with the highlight being some fantastic swimming holes along the way. It was during this loop we found a rogue wilding pine tree and made it our mission to return with a saw to chop it down before it could spread its seeds and cause an invasion

Whakapapaiti Falls Loop: 3.5-4hr | 11km | 787m elevation

The Best Quick Stop: Tawhai Falls

If you are short on time, Tawhai Falls, also known as Gollum’s Pool due to its appearance in Lord of the Rings Movies, is perfect. Despite only being a 13m waterfall, the volume and power of the water are surprisingly impressive.

• Distance: 600m
• Time: 20 minutes (return)
• Location: Just off State Highway 48; 4km before Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre