Taranaki Falls. Tongariro National Park. New Zealand.
S 39° 11.860 E 175° 33.856
60H E 376021 N 5660305
Taranaki Falls is a stunning waterfall cascading over an old lava flow in the Tongariro National Park.
Waymark Code: WMKM2D
Location: North Island, New Zealand
Date Posted: 04/29/2014
Views: 7
Taranaki Falls is situated on the Wairere Stream on the lower slopes of Mt Ruapehu. The water cascades over the edge of an ancient lava flow falling into a pool below. The pool is often surrounded by snow in winter when the stream is cold and icy. You can scramble over the rocks and walk behind the waterfall. (This is also a Waymark Photo Goal). The picturesque falls can be viewed after an enjoyable 2 hour walk along the Taranaki Falls track starting near the Chateau. It is a loop track through beech forest and open tussock and scoria mountain slope, crossing the stream above the falls and descending the cliff to the viewpoint at the base, then returning to the Chateau by following the stream and crossing the lower slopes.
Any time of the year gives awesome views of the volcanoes and surrounding scenic countryside. It is an easy walk on a metaled track with some boardwalk areas, but wear sturdy sensible footwear.
PARKING: Park at the end of Ngauruhoe Tce which turns off Bruce Rd just behind the Chateau and before the Visitor Centre. The track begins at the road end.
Type: Punchbowl
Watercourse: Wairere Stream on Mt Ruapehu.
Waterfall Height: 65
Seasonality: Perennial
Seasons of Best Flow: From: 01/01/2014 To: 12/31/2014
Viewpoint: Bottom
Path Up and Down: Full
Walk Behind: Fully
Parking Coordinates: Not Listed
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