Waitonga Falls Track: An easy walk to Tongariro’s highest waterfall
The Waitonga Falls Track is a short, alpine walk in Tongariro National Park, leading to the park’s highest waterfall. At 39 metres tall, Waitonga Falls drops through native forest into a quiet mountain setting, making this a great option for families, casual walkers, and anyone wanting a gentle taste of Tongariro without tackling alpine terrain.
The walk is 4 km return, following the same well-formed track each way, and takes around 1 hour 20 minutes. The path winds through mountain beech and kaikawaka (mountain cedar) forest, with a steady but manageable gradient that suits most fitness levels.
On clear, calm days, the highlight isn’t just the waterfall. The Rotokawa pools along the way often reflect Mount Ruapehu, adding spectacular photo opportunities.
Getting to the Waitonga Falls Track
The track starts from a small parking area (on the right – on the way up) 11 km up Ohakune Mountain Road, just outside Ohakune, Mt Ruapehu. The road is sealed, but conditions can change in winter, so take care during colder months.
Is Waitonga Falls Track worth it?
Yes. If you’re looking for an easy, scenic walk with a genuine Tongariro highlight at the end, the Waitonga Falls Track is well worth the stop. It’s accessible, peaceful, and offers a rewarding payoff without crowds or the time and energy of longer alpine tracks.
We have done this track many times over many years. It’s our favourite track on the southern side of Mt Ruapehu.
