Taranaki Falls

Ohakune · F3

Entrances

Taranaki Falls Walking Track trailhead· Start here
All Taranaki Falls loop walkers
Ngāuruhoe Place, Whakapapa Village, Tongariro National Park; about 100 m below the Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre on SH48 · The sole official access point for the loop; an unstaffed outdoor trailhead.

Getting there

Car
Whakapapa Village parking area opposite the Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre, SH48
5 min walk
From Ohakune or Tūrangi, allow about 40 minutes by road; winter parking may have time restrictions.
Bus
Daily national bus services · Whakapapa Village
5 min walk
Services are seasonal/operator-specific; confirm that a return service operates before setting out.
Shuttle
Local shuttle · Whakapapa Village
5 min walk
Shuttles may connect from Ohakune or National Park Village; availability is seasonal and must be confirmed with the operator.

Bags & what’s allowed

Fine

No published bag-size limit; carry the supplies needed for an alpine walk and take all rubbish out.

Not allowed

Dogs and other pets are not allowed in Tongariro National Park.
Flying a drone without a DOC permit is prohibited.

No cloakroom or lockers are provided at the trailhead.

Source: doc.govt.nz

Accessibility

Step-free access: No
Lifts: No

The 6 km loop is an easy-to-intermediate natural track, but it has uneven ground and a flight of 100 steps at the falls. DOC does not designate it as wheelchair accessible.

Source: doc.govt.nz

Parking

Whakapapa Village parking area opposite the Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre5 min walk · Use this parking area, then walk down to Ngāuruhoe Place. Winter time restrictions can apply; check current parking information before driving up.