Waitonga Falls is the highest waterfall in Tongariro National Park, dropping 39 metres through a mountain beech and kaikawaka forest on the slopes of Mt Ruapehu. The 4 km return walk to the falls starts 11 km up the Ohakune Mountain Road and takes about 1.5 hours — with boardwalks, bridges, and views across the Rotokawa alpine wetland to the mountain itself.
Practical Information
| Location | Ohakune Mountain Road, 11 km from Ohakune, Tongariro National Park |
|---|---|
| Waterfall height | 39 m — highest in Tongariro National Park |
| Walk distance | 4 km return |
| Duration | Approx. 1–1.5 hours |
| Difficulty | Easy — well-formed track with boardwalks, steps, and bridges |
| Highlights | Rotokawa wetland views, Mt Ruapehu reflections, mountain forest |
| Winter conditions | Complex avalanche terrain — check conditions before visiting |
| Managed by | Department of Conservation |
| Cost | Free |
About the Walk
The Waitonga Falls Track begins at the car park 11 km up the Ohakune Mountain Road. The well-formed path winds through mountain beech (tawhai) and kaikawaka (cedar) forest — a quiet, sheltered walk with a distinctive alpine forest character quite different from the lowland bush found elsewhere in the region.
About halfway along, the track crosses the Rotokawa wetland on boardwalks, where the open alpine tarns can reflect Mt Ruapehu on clear days — one of the better mountain views accessible on a short walk in the area. The track continues to the falls themselves, where Waitonga Stream drops 39 metres in a single curtain. At 39 m, these are the tallest falls in Tongariro National Park.
The area is designated complex avalanche terrain and is prone to landslides in any season. Visitors should check the NZ Avalanche Advisory before visiting in winter or spring conditions, or contact the Tongariro Alpine Visitor Centre in Whakapapa for current advice.
What Visitors Say
“The wetland section with the mountain reflections is almost as good as the falls. Easy, well-formed walk with amazing mountain views halfway through. Highly recommended even if you only have a couple of hours.” — AllTrails reviewer
“A stunning walk — the falls are impressive and the alpine tarn with Ruapehu reflected in it was a genuine wow moment. Go on a clear day if you can.” — Hikespeak
Where to Learn More
DOC — Waitonga Falls Track has official track information, conditions updates, and access details.
AllTrails — Waitonga Falls Track has GPS maps and 378 user reviews.
NZ Avalanche Advisory — check before visiting in snow season; the track is in designated avalanche terrain.
Visit Ruapehu — Waitonga Falls has practical visitor information for planning your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high are Waitonga Falls?
39 metres — the highest waterfall in Tongariro National Park.
How long is the walk?
4 km return, taking approximately 1–1.5 hours at a comfortable pace.
Where does the walk start?
From the car park 11 km up the Ohakune Mountain Road from Ohakune.
Is the walk suitable for children?
Yes — the track is well-formed with boardwalks and bridges, making it suitable for families with older children. Snow or icy conditions in winter require extra caution.
Is it safe in winter?
The track is in designated complex avalanche terrain. Check the NZ Avalanche Advisory (avalanche.net.nz) or contact the Tongariro Alpine Visitor Centre before visiting in winter or spring.
Are there views of Mt Ruapehu?
Yes — the Rotokawa alpine wetland section of the track offers open views of Mt Ruapehu, with mountain reflections in the tarns on clear days.
Waitonga Falls is one of several waterfalls accessible on a day trip from Whanganui. See Waterfalls in Whanganui for more options across the district and region, including Mangawhero Falls on the same mountain road.