Taranaki Falls Walk – Tongariro National Park Guide, 2026

If you’re planning a trip to Tongariro National Park and want a walk that’s easy, scenic, and doesn’t take all day, the Taranaki Falls walk is such a good pick.

It’s a two hour loop that’s super manageable for most people, and it takes you past rivers, open tussock fields, and sections of native bush before you reach the 20 metre Taranaki Falls sitting in the middle of volcanic cliffs.

I’ve done this walk a few times now and it’s one I always end up recommending, especially to anyone who wants something beautiful without the full commitment of the Tongariro Crossing.

It’s not the most famous track in the park, but it’s one of those walks that’s always worth adding to your list.

Here is everything you need to know about the Taranaki Falls Track.

Important Details

Time: Around 2 hours for the full loop
Distance: Roughly 6 km
Difficulty: Easy (very doable for most people)
Elevation: Around 100 metres of gradual gain
Track Type: Loop track

How to get to the Taranaki Falls Walk

The Taranaki Falls walk is tucked inside Tongariro National Park on the North Island, and it’s pretty much the same drive time whether you’re coming from Auckland or Wellington, around four hours either way.

The track is easily accessed from Whakapapa Village. It’s a loop walk, but the two entrances sit about 50 metres apart on Ngauruhoe Terrace. At the very end of this road, you’ll find a small carpark right beside one of the entrances.

Even though the carpark leads straight onto the loop, it’s recommended to walk a little back down the road and start the track from the other entrance so you can walk it clockwise. This is they way I always walk.

Going this way means you’ll reach the base of Taranaki Falls first, which is such a nice way to see it before climbing up to the top.

Because the track starts right in Whakapapa Village, it’s a perfect option for a morning or late-afternoon walk during your stay in Tongariro National Park.

Where to Park

There’s a small carpark at the end of Ngauruhoe Terrace, right next to one of the Taranaki Falls track entrances.

It’s easy to find and has space for several cars, making it a convenient starting point for the loop.

If it’s busy, there’s usually room along the roadside closer to Whakapapa Village as well.

What is the Taranaki Falls Walk Like?

The Taranaki Falls walk is an easy, scenic loop that takes you through a mix of native bush, open tussock fields, and along crystal-clear streams.

The track is well-formed and mostly gentle, with just a few short uphill sections.

The highlight, of course, is Taranaki Falls itself, a 20 metre waterfall cascading over a volcanic rock face, which you get to see from both the base and the top if you follow the recommended clockwise route.

It’s the kind of walk that’s relaxing but still feels rewarding.

How long does the taranaki falls walk take?

Unlike many of the other walks in Tongariro National Park, the Taranaki Falls walk is relatively easy and doesn’t take a whole day to complete.

Most people finish the loop in around two hours, plus a little extra if you want to stop for photos or a snack along the way.

One of the best things about this track is that the highlight, the 20 metre Taranaki Falls, is roughly halfway through. After about an hour of walking, you’ll be standing at the base of the falls, taking in the view and the sound of the water tumbling over the volcanic cliffs.

Even though the walk itself is short, it’s worth giving yourself extra time to wander around the falls, enjoy the scenery, and take it slow.

It’s also practical to allow a little buffer in case of any unexpected delays along the track.

What is the difficulty of the walk?

The Taranaki Falls walk is considered an easy track thanks to its short distance and mostly gentle terrain.

The full loop is about 6 kilometres, with most of it being flat, apart from a short stair climb up to the top of the waterfall.

The track itself is well maintained and easy to follow, with clear paths, stairs, and bridges where needed. Most of the walk is on gravel, with a few uneven sections over rocks and tree roots, especially near the river.

Make sure you follow the track straight towards Taranaki Falls and don’t cross the bridge 20 minutes into the walk. This bridge is for those doing the Tongariro Circuit and you will end up on a much longer hike. There are plenty of signs to show you where to go though.

If you want to get right up to the base of the waterfall, you’ll need to leave the main track and carefully make your way over some larger rocks.

There’s no marked path here, and the rocks can be slippery from the spray, so take your time and watch your step.

Where to stay Near the Taranaki Falls

If you’re planning to stay near Taranaki Falls, Whakapapa Village is the most convenient option. Skotel Alpine Resort is right in the village and makes a great base.

The rooms are comfortable, and the on-site bar and restaurant are perfect for relaxing after a day of walking.

I love grabbing a cold drink on the terrace while taking in the views of Mount Ngauruhoe, it’s the perfect way to unwind after the Taranaki Falls walk.

For something more low key, there’s also Whakapapa Holiday Park, which has camping and cabin options if you prefer being closer to nature.

Both options put you just minutes from the track entrances, making it easy to start the walk early in the morning or enjoy a late-afternoon stroll.

Other things to do near Taranaki Falls

The Taranaki Falls walk is certainly a highlight in Tongariro National Park, however there are so many other things to do while in the area.

This area is an adventure addicts dream with everything from epic hikes to rafting and mountain biking. There is something to please every type of person on any kind of budget.

Tama Lakes – Continuation from Taranaki falls Walk

The Tama Lakes walk is a great option if you want to extend your adventure beyond Taranaki Falls.

This track takes you up to the upper and lower Tama Lakes and is ideal for anyone looking for a longer, full-day hike. The return trip takes around 5 to 6 hours, and since it’s a one-way track, you’ll need to come back the same way.

As you head toward the lakes, the trail brings you closer to the mountains and through more of that striking alpine landscape.

Like the Taranaki Falls track, the Tama Lakes walk is well maintained, but the terrain is more up and down, so it’s a bit more challenging and requires a little extra stamina.

Tawhai Falls

Tawhai Falls is a perfect little bonus walk to do on your way into or out of Tongariro National Park. It’s a quick, mostly flat 20-minute stroll that leads to a beautiful waterfall famously used as Gollum’s Pool in The Lord of the Rings.

This walk is ideal for families, and there are a few spots on the rocks where you can sit and take it all in.

While Tawhai Falls is much smaller than Taranaki Falls, the water’s striking colour and sheer power make it a stop worth squeezing into your day.

The Northern Circuit

The Tongariro Circuit is a 45-kilometre, 3–4 day hike that circles Mount Ngāuruhoe and includes some of the most popular sections of the Tongariro Crossing.

Along the way, you’ll pass highlights like the Emerald Lakes, Taranaki Falls, and enjoy incredible views of Mount Ngāuruhoe.

This hike is best suited to more experienced walkers. While the track is well maintained and clearly signposted, some sections are steep and can get slippery, so it’s important to take care.

For more detailed information, check out the Department of Conservation website.

Are you in?

The Taranaki Falls walk is an amazing 2 hour hike in Tongariro National Park and is the perfect family friendly hike for those visiting the area.

With its wide range of scenery and stunning waterfall to relax by it is one not to miss.