Image: Dino Borelli | Creative Commons
Waitonga Falls, Tongariro National Park.
Waitonga Falls Track

Located in Tongariro National Park in the Central North Island region

The 39 m Waitonga Falls is Tongariro National Park’s highest waterfall. The well-formed track passes through mountain beech and kaikawaka forest.

Tongariro National Park’s highest waterfall, the 39 metre Waitonga Falls, is reached via a well-formed track through mountain beech and kaikawaka (mountain cedar) forest.

On clear calm days there are fantastic views of Mount Ruapehu and the surrounding countryside. You can see reflections of the mountain in the Rotokawa pools, part of an alpine wetland area.

The track begins from the parking area 11 kilometres up the Ohakune Mountain Road.

The weather in Tongariro National Park is extremely changeable all year around. Prepare for all weather conditions:

What to take with you:

  • windproof/waterproof raincoat and overtrousers
  • spare warm clothing
  • sturdy, comfortable shoes or boots
  • food and drink
  • map for unmarked routes (available at DOC offices)
  • sunglasses and suncream
  • first aid kit

Weather forecast

Waitonga Falls weather forecast – NIWA website

No drones logoNo drones

Unauthorised use of drones is prohibited. You must have a permit to fly a drone.

DOC does not generally approve permits to fly drones in this national park and we do not recommend you apply for one.

Using drones in national parks

The track is rich in plant life, with mistletoe on the beech trees, and a variety of orchids along the banks. In the alpine wetland area, you can see sundews and bladderworts in addition to the usual larger vegetation of the bog.