Tawhai Falls Track
Alerts
Avalanche NZ
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NIWA weather risks
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Forecast point: Tongariro VC (1160m) · 3.7km away
Check the DOC website for current alerts and conditions before you go. This site gets current alert info from DOC, but is not an official source of information.
This is an easy short walk to the popular Tawhai Falls a short drive from Whakapapa Village.
Elevation
Cover mapped summer 2023/24.
Description
The track leads down to a viewing point near the top of Tawhai Falls, where you can watch the river tumble over the edge of an ancient lava flow.
There is then the option to continue down more steps to the river’s edge, where there is a view of the river and a more distant view of the falls. The river is fast-flowing and the rocks on the riverbank can be slippery. Supervise children at all times.
The return walk to the carpark is via the same track.
The river floods rapidly in wet weather. Stay away from the river when it is flooding (e.g. if it is high, fast, murky or loud).
Getting there
The carpark is located on SH48 approximately 4 km from the Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre.
We recommend visiting early or later in the day, as this track is popular and the car park gets busy. Come back later if the car park is full, avoid parking on the state highway.
Know before you go
Weather
Forecast at the start of the track