Last updated November 2026
Taranaki Falls pour 20 m over the edge of an old lava flow in Tongariro National Park, on an easy loop walk from Whakapapa Village. DOC grades the Taranaki Falls Walk as Easy and gives about 2 hours for the loop, which starts on SH48 just below the Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre.
The track crosses open tussock and alpine shrubland, passes Cascade Falls, a second waterfall, in beech forest, and climbs about 100 steps beside the main falls. It makes a good day trip from Taupō, about 72 km away. Check DOC and the forecast before you go.
Practical Information
- Start
- Whakapapa Village on SH48, 100 m below the Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre on Ngauruhoe Place
- Distance from the city
- About 72 km south-west of Taupō in a straight line
- Walking time
- About 2 hours (loop)
- Grade
- Easy
- Height of the falls
- 20 m
- Track type
- Loop walk, part of Te Araroa
- Drones
- Not allowed without a DOC permit
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Track markers
- On marked bush tracks, DOC and most councils use orange triangles for the walking route. Triangles or tape in other colours, usually pink or blue, mark pest-control lines and traps. They can lead off the track, so don’t follow them.
About Taranaki Falls
The falls drop over the edge of an andesite lava flow that erupted from Ruapehu about 15,000 years ago, according to DOC. The falls are the high point of the loop.
The loop has two halves. The early part crosses tussock and alpine shrubland, then enters beech forest where DOC lists mountain beech, shiny broadleaf, mountain five-finger, umbrella ferns and mountain toatoa. Here the track passes Cascade Falls beside Wairere Stream before it reaches Taranaki Falls.
From the falls, about 100 steps climb up beside the drop to join the Tama Lakes Track. DOC’s directions are to turn right there to return to Whakapapa. The return leg crosses red tussock and mānuka and passes layers of pumice and ash from past eruptions.
On a clear day DOC says you can see the cone of Ngauruhoe and the older, eroded mountains of Tongariro and Pukekaikiore. Listen for whiteheads, grey warblers and riflemen in the forest, and pipits, fernbirds and sometimes skylarks higher up.
Wind and the Lower Track
The track is a loop, and DOC notes the lower track is the more sheltered option on windy days, so in a strong wind it can be worth starting on that side. The track also forms part of the Te Araroa Trail.
Combining It With Other Walks
At the top of the steps the loop meets the Tama Lakes Track, which continues further into the park. The Taranaki Falls loop on its own is the easy option; if you plan to go on, check DOC for the longer track’s time and grade first. Flying a drone in the national park without a DOC permit is strictly prohibited.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Taranaki Falls walk?
DOC gives about 2 hours for the loop.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Easy. There are about 100 steps beside the falls.
How high are Taranaki Falls?
DOC says the falls drop 20 m over an old lava flow.
Where does the walk start?
In Whakapapa Village on SH48, 100 m below the Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre on Ngauruhoe Place.
Is the walk exposed to wind?
Parts of it are open tussock. DOC says the lower track is the more sheltered option on windy days.
Can I fly a drone?
Not without a permit. DOC says flying a drone without one is strictly prohibited.
How far is it from Taupō?
About 72 km in a straight line, in Tongariro National Park.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 2
- Department of Conservation: Taranaki Falls Walk: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
- Plan My Walk: weather, track alerts and a trip plan to share before you go.