Ruapehu: an alpine adventure playground
06 March 2025
The broad area around Tongariro National Park must have been a majestic place when Māori enjoyed undisturbed possession.
Enjoy an easy alpine walk on the Waitonga Falls Track
At 39 metres, Waitonga Falls is Tongariro National Park’s highest waterfall.
To appreciate its scenic delights, take an easy four-kilometre return walk through mountain beech and cedar (kaikawaka) forest, which should take you around one and a half hours.
The track is well-formed for easy walking and begins from the carpark, 11 kilometres up Ōhakune Mountain Road.
Take your time to soak up the alpine atmosphere with rich plant life, including mistletoe and orchids, alongside the hardy mountain tussocks.
On clear days there are fantastic views of Mount Ruapehu and the surrounding countryside plus many great photo opportunities – not only of Waitonga Falls but also reflections of the mountain in the Rotokawa pools in the alpine wetland area.
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