Waitonga Falls Track
Track category
Walking track
Time:
1 hr 30 min
Description
White sun orchids can be seen along
the Waitonga Falls Track
Tongariro National Park's highest waterfall, the 39 metres Waitonga Falls are reached via a well-formed track through mountain beech and kaikawaka (mountain cedar) forest. On a calm day the southern face of Ruapehu is reflected in Rotokawa, the pools of a ridgetop alpine bog over which the track passes. On a clear day there are magnificent views of Mount Ruapehu and the surrounding countryside to the southwest.
This track is rich in plant life with mistletoe on the beech trees and green hooded orchids and sun orchids along the banks. In the alpine bog sundews and bladderworts may be seen in addition to the usual larger vegetation of the bog, especially when flowering. Past Waitonga Falls, the track continues as part of the Round the Mountain Track, a four to six day tramp around Mount Ruapehu.
Getting there
The track to the falls begins on the Ohakune Mountain Road, 11 kilometres up the road from the railway bridge.
Plan and prepare
The weather in Tongariro National Park is extremely changeable all year around. Be prepared for all weather.
For longer walks take:
- 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
We recommend treating all water in Tongariro National Park.
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