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Taranaki Falls, Tongariro National Park

4.7
#2 of 7 in Nature in Tongariro National Park
Waterfall · Hiking Trail
Plummeting 20 m (66 ft) over the edge of a large lava flow, Taranaki Falls provides good photo opportunities. Winding through red tussock and alpine scrublands before entering beech forest, the easy return loop trek to the falls offers some great views of the volcanic landscape, a narrow gorge, and open heathland. As you approach the falls, you'll walk down hundreds of stairs. Keep an eye open for small native birds such as whiteheads, grey warbler and occasionally skylarks. Make sure to check the weather because it can easily start raining. Plan to see Taranaki Falls and other attractions that appeal to you using our Tongariro National Park trip itinerary planning site.
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Taranaki Falls reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
192 reviews
Google
4.8
TripAdvisor
  • By HowardB1260
    The falls were a great surprise and the walk was a great fill-in since our Tongariro crossing was postponed  more »
  • By renlasv
    This was a super two hour walk. Highly recommend doing the lower track first and returning via the higher track. Makes for an easier second half. The falls are beautiful and worth a visit...  more »
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Google
  • By Damian Smith
    Lovely spot. There are multiple walks that go to the falls, the most frequented is the falls walk starting just by the Skotel. Very gentle loop walk with some great views of the mountain and the chateau. The lower walk is more varied and slightly harder than upper. You can walk behind the falls
  • By Mark Windsor
    There is a lovely 6 km (4 mile) circuit from near the Chateau to this beautiful waterfall and back. It is a good surface and fairly level. The views are tremendous, the flora fascinating and the 2 main waterfalls magnificent.
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