Soda Springs Falls – a green oasis along the Tongariro Crossing

Summary: The Soda Springs Falls are fed by a spring, and cascade down the head wall of the Mangatepopo Valley in the Tongariro National Park.

How to get there: From end of Mangatepopo Road (limited and restricted parking in peak periods)
Walking distance to waterfall: 6km (return)
Duration: 1-2 hours
Grade: Easy/Moderate
Type of waterfall: Segmented
Waterfall Rating: 1/5
Height of falls: 15m
Great Walks season is early November to April (Limited facilities / alpine experience needed outside this timeframe)
Bushwalking trail: Tongariro Northern Circuit

Formed by cold water springs at the head of the Mangatepopo Valley, the Soda Springs Falls stand out against the otherwise fairly barren, volcanic landscape. The mineral-rich water from the falls creates a small oasis of green vegetation, including lush yellow mountain buttercups and white foxgloves in summer.

Getting to Soda Springs Falls

The cascade can be seen in the distance from the Mangatepopo Track, which forms part of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and Tongariro Northern Circuit. A short ten-minute walk takes you to the base of the falls.