Waitonga Falls

Summary: Waitonga Falls is the tallest waterfall in Tongariro National Park. For the best views and to see the entire waterfall, you need to rock-hop up the river.

How to get there: Trail from Okahune Mountain Road
Walking distance to waterfall: 4km (return)
Duration: 1-2 hours
Grade: Easy/Moderate
Type of waterfall: Tiered or multi-step
Waterfall Rating: 2.5/5
Height of falls: 39m
Topographic map/s: NT-MR40 MOUNT RUAPEHU (1:40K)
Bushwalking trail: Ruapehu Round the Mountain

The tallest waterfall in Tongariro National Park, the Waitonga Falls drops 39m over two tiers. The walking trail crosses the river a few hundred metres downstream of the falls; to see the bottom of the falls you need to rock hop and wade upstream.

Getting to Waitonga Falls

The easiest way to get to the waterfall is via the Waitonga Falls Track, which is about a 15min drive from Ohakune Village or 50min National Park Village (on the sealed Okahune Mountain Road). The track is about 4km return.

The multi-day Ruapehu Round the Mountain Track also passes the waterfall.