A Guide to the Waterfalls of Tongariro Park
There is something memorising about watching large quantities of water fall from a giant height. Humans seem to be fascinated by these fixtures in nature - seeking them out, craning their necks to see the top, standing below and hearing the roar that emits from the power that is a waterfall
I am one such human
There are many waterfalls to be marvelled at in the Tongariro National Park, New Zealand’s oldest national park. And if you are a chaser of falls, then this guide is for you, as I will be exploring some of the parks waterfalls.
Many of these spots were also locations for the filming of the Lord of the Rings series. How exciting! And if you are a Tolkien nerd life myself - you will get a little kick out of that.
Taranaki Falls
Despite its name, the Taranaki Falls is not in Taranaki but right in the heart of the Tongariro National Park.
It is reached by the Taranaki Falls track or as part of the Tama Lakes Track. It stands at 20m high and the water tumbles down over volcanic rock, from a lava flow that erupted from Mt Ruapehu 15,000 years ago. You can reach the bottom, but it is a bit of a slippery climb down.
The Taranaki Falls Loop is a 6km walk that takes around 2 hours. More info about that walk can be found here
Waitonga Falls
I heard about the tallest fall in Tongariro Park, Waitonga Falls, and like a moth to a flame - I had to gaze upon this natural beauty. And gaze I did
The falls is accessed through a hike - which is a 4km return the same way you came trail. The walk is well maintained, but a lot of it is uphill which can be a bit challenging for the less fitness inclined (aka myself).
The falls at 39m is the tallest in the park and is a rather spectacular sight. The track comes to the bottom of the fall. You can walk closer to the bottom of the falls - but I did not as it involves scrambling over very slimy slippery rocks and trying to not fall into a river - and for the accident prone (like myself), it is ill advised.
At the halfway point, there are the Rotokawa pools, which make for a great sunrise or sunset photoshoot with Mt Ruapehu reflected in them.
To find out more about the walk, look here
Mangawhero Falls
This is a nice change of pace from the other falls, as there is very little walking involved to get to this 25m high waterfall. From the carpark, it is only a short five minute jaunt to the viewing platform where you can gaze at this beautiful waterfall. The carpark is more like a small gravel clearing on the side of Ohakune Mountain Road, around 16km up this long windy road.
The falls are surrounded by green forest and it is said that during winter icicles form around the falls.
This was also a filming location for Lord of the Rings. The spot at the top of the falls is where Gollum chows down on raw fish like the gourmet he is. Such a classy little guy. But now you too can be at that spot. How exciting!
For more about the falls, click here
Tawhai Falls (Gollums Pool).
These falls are accessed through a short walk through beech forest and at the end is the 13 metre high waterfall. The water cascades down over an ancient lava flow.
You emerge at the bottom of the falls and if you are brave you can scramble your way a little closer to the falls through rock jumping, or if you are like me, rock scrambling and bum shuffling.
The falls is a beautiful spot to enjoy sunrise and you can also try your hand at some long exposures here.
This is also another Lord of the Rings spot, where Gollum fishing at the bottom of the pools while Faramir watches overhead.
For more info about this waterfall, go here
Enjoy your time with these ancient falls
Sit there for a while - do not rush the experience aka hey, I made it to the falls, let's take a quick snap and head back, no, I recommend sitting there for a while and soaking in the magic of these places.
Also, bring snacks. Snacks are always good.