Experience the breathtaking beauty of Ruapehu with a visit to some of the regions best waterfalls!
Taranaki Falls (and Cascade Falls)
Difficulty: Easy
The track to Taranaki Falls commences directly outside of Skotel Alpine Resort and this relatively easy 6km loop track takes approximately 2 hours to complete.
Starting from the lower track you’ll pass through tussock and alpine shrublands before entering beech forest. The tracks descends down to Wairere Stream then climbs alongside it, passing the picturesque Cascade Falls. Continuing along you will reach the main event, the impressive Taranaki falls, which signals you have now reached the approximate halfway point of the track.
Taranaki Falls plummets over the edge of an impressive 15,000 year old lava flow at a height of approximately 20 metres.
Tawhai Falls
Difficulty: Easy
Take a short but picturesque 20 minute return walk through mountain toatoa and beech forest, to a beautiful 13 metre waterfall tumbling over the edge of an ancient lava flow.
The entrance to the track is located just a short drive from Skotel Alpine Resort, on State Highway 48 between National Park Village and Whakapapa Village.
Fun fact – Tawhai Falls is the location of Gollum’s Pool from the Lord of the Rings movie.
Tupapakurua Falls
Difficulty: Moderate
For those up for a longer trek, this 11km return track starts at Fishers Road, National Park Village and will take about 4-5 hours to complete.
After walking for approximately one hour along a four-wheel-drive track, you’ll enter the Erua Forest and reach the Taranaki Lookout. Venturing further into the forest you’ll encounter a few climbs and small stream crossings before arriving at the Tupapakurua Falls Lookout where you’ll be rewarded with good views of the falls.
Waitonga Falls
Difficulty: Moderate
At a spectacular 39 metres, the two leap Waitonga Falls is the highest waterfall in Tongariro National Park. The track to the falls begins from the parking area 11kms up the Ohakune Mountain Road, and the 4km return track will take about 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete. On a clear day you’ll also be treated to great Mount Ruapehu views, as well as the reflections of the mountain in the Rotokawa pools, part of an alpine wetland area.
Mangawhero Falls
Difficulty: Easy
One of the most accessible and popular waterfalls in Tongariro National Park, Mangawhero Falls is situated just a 70 metre, 5-10 minute return walk from the carpark on the Ohakune Mountain Road. There is no official way to the waterfalls base, so please enjoy the view of the 28 metre plunging Mangawhero Falls from the designated lookout.
As with all hikes it’s important to be prepared before heading out into the great outdoors. Use the Plan My Walk app to bring together all the information that you need.
Skotel Alpine Resort is perfectly situated for enjoying all that this amazing region of New Zealand has to offer including exploring waterfalls in Ruapehu! Choose from a wide range of accommodation options from backpacker style to family rooms. BOOK NOW.