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A short alpine trail taking in beech forests, the Wairere Stream, and stunning Taranaki Falls.


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Map Key

3.8

Miles

6.1

KM

96%

Runnable

3,975' 1,212 m

High

3,595' 1,096 m

Low

398' 121 m

Up

381' 116 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

17%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Description

The Taranaki Falls Track leaves the Whakapapa Village, and leads one on a scenic journey to Taranaki Falls. The route will begin with a gentle descent towards Wairere Stream that is reached about .85 miles from the trailhead. There is a trail junction here with Mangatepopo Track. Stay to the right to continue on Taranaki Falls Track

After reaching Wairere Stream, you'll begin a moderate climb. The way isn't overly strenuous. The trail follows Wairere Stream to Taranaki Falls, going through the spectacular water-worn gorge of the Wairere Stream. It also passes another smaller waterfall. Taranaki Falls is about two miles from the trailhead.

Tumbling 20 meters over the edge of a large lava flow, which erupted from Ruapehu 15,000 years ago, Taranaki Falls plunges into a boulder-ringed pool. The trail climbs steeply on a long set of steps to get to the top of Taranaki Falls.

At the top of Taranaki Falls, Taranaki Falls Track meets up with Tama Lakes Track. Go right at this trail junction to continue on Taranaki Falls Track that returns to the visitor center. Immediately after this trail junction, Taranaki Falls Track crosses Wairere Stream on a very sturdy bridge, just above Taranaki Falls. The trail then descends very gradually through grass, tussock, brush, and forested terrain, as it returns to the visitor center.

Contacts

Shared By:

Kerry Suter

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 8 votes

#6845

Overall
  4.6 from 8 votes
5 Star
63%
4 Star
38%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#69

in New Zealand

#6,845

Overall
6 Views Last Month
695 Since Jul 17, 2016
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

67%
0%
17%
17%
0%
0%

Photos

Falls Bridge with Ruapehu in the background
Jul 17, 2016 near Ohakune, NZ
Taranaki Falls!
Jul 17, 2016 near Ohakune, NZ
Taranaki Falls and the Wairere Stream below the falls.
Jun 7, 2017 near Ohakune, NZ
Wairere Stream from Bridge - Lower Taranaki Falls Track
Jul 14, 2016 near Ohakune, NZ
View of Ngauruhoe from the lower Taranaki Falls Track.
Jul 14, 2016 near Ohakune, NZ
Climbing the stairs to get to the top of Taranaki Falls.
Jun 7, 2017 near Ohakune, NZ

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