Taranaki Falls
Waterfall Volcanic-era waterfall in Tongariro National Park
On the Tongariro plateau, Taranaki Falls draws walkers to a short loop through beech forest to a cascade on the Tongariro River, with views toward Mount Ruapehu. Visitors come for accessible hiking, geology, and landscape photography.
Taranaki Falls is a waterfall located in Tongariro National Park on New Zealand’s North Island, notable for a roughly 20 metre drop and an accessible short walking track. It lies within a UNESCO national park that protects volcanic landscapes on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu.
The site is best known for the short Taranaki Falls Walk - a roughly 2.8 km loop through native forest that finishes at the waterfall viewpoint. The track includes boardwalks and bridges and offers views of the 20 metre cascade and surrounding volcanic terrain. Hikers also get views toward the park’s volcanic peaks on clear days.
The falls flow where stream water moves over a former lava flow and cliff, a product of volcanic activity in the Tongariro volcanic complex. The route and viewing points were established for public access and recreation as part of the park’s track network.
Taranaki Falls sits within central North Island’s Tongariro National Park, on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu. It is accessed from park roads and walking tracks in the Whakapapa/Tongariro area of the national park.
- Height: The waterfall drops approximately 20 metres.
- Taranaki Falls Walk: The established walking route is a roughly 2.8 km loop that typically takes about an hour to complete.
How to Get to Taranaki Falls #
Accessible from Whakapapa Village car parks in Tongariro National Park. The loop can be started from both Church Road and Whakapapa Village; local trail signage is clear.
Tips for Visiting Taranaki Falls #
- Allow 1-2 hours for the loop to Taranaki Falls and back from the Whakapapa or Church Road car parks.
- Bring a light rain layer-weather in Tongariro National Park changes quickly and the trail crosses exposed terrain.
Best Time to Visit Taranaki Falls #
Taranaki Falls is a rewarding short-walk destination within Tongariro National Park; avoid winter storms and check for track advisories.
Weather & Climate near Taranaki Falls #
Taranaki Falls's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -2°C to 20°C. Abundant rainfall (1923 mm/year), wettest in September.
January
January is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm).
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February
February is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (147 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (160 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (173 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of -2°C. Heavy rain (203 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (170 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 0°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (211 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (162 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (151 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 5°C. Heavy rain (201 mm).
