Lower Silica Rapids – multiple small and picturesque cascades

Summary: Multiple small cascades along a tributory of the Whakapapanui Stream, next to the Lower Silica Rapids Track.

How to get there: Trail from State Highway 48 (200m south of Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre)
Walking distance to waterfall: 1.2km (return)
Duration: <1 hour
Grade: Easy
Type of waterfall: Cascade
Waterfall Rating: 1.5/5
Height of falls: 2m
Bushwalking trail: Round the Mountain (Ruapehu)

The Lower Silica Rapids Track follows a tributory of the Whakapapanui Stream, along which are a number of small cascades.

Getting to Lower Silica Rapids

The Silica Rapids Track is a 6.8km loop walk from Whakapapa Village, which also passes the Punaruku Falls. It combines the Lower Silica Rapids Track and Upper Silica Rapids. The Ruapehu Round the Mountain Track also follows the Lower Silica Rapids Track.