Whakapapaiti Waterfall

By Irina Babicheva

 

Whakapapaiti Waterfall

By Irina Babicheva

15 meters high, un-officially named, Whakapapaiti Waterfall is found along Round the Mountain Track, Tongariro National Park. There is no official track to the waterfall's base, however, with care, you can follow the river bed to reach a perfect view of the waterfall.

Driving and walking conditions

GPS of the view point: S 39° 14' 16.5582" E 175° 31' 20.697"
Parking: Bruce Rd, Tongariro National Park
Vehicle type: All vehicle types Track type: Tramping track
Road type: Sealed Return track duration: 3hrs 

Waterfall parameters

Waterfall height: 15m Type of the waterfall: Multi-step

Rating:       ⭐⭐
GPS:          S 39° 14' 16.5582" E 175° 31' 20.697"
Parking:     Bruce Rd, Tongariro National Park
Access:     3hrs  return walk


Walking and driving instructions

 

Whakapapaiti Waterfall is roughly a 20-minutes’ drive away from National Park Village. The road surface is always sealed.

From National Park Village head east on the SH-47 for 9 km, then turn right into the SH-48 (Bruce Rd) which leads to Whakapapa Skifiled and follow it for the next km11. You don’t need to drive up to the Skiefiled, instead leave your car on a car park which has a sign ‘Round The Mountain Track’. There are no facilities there.

From the car park follow tramping Round the Mountain track (to Whakapapaiti Hut) for the first 1.5-hours, then after the long descend turn right into Whakapapaiti Hut. You'll see the waterfall on the right hand side.

If you wish you can walk up to the waterfall's base – just follow the river bed. However, there is no official track there.

Return via the same track, or you may choose to do it as a loop - in this case follow Whakapapaiti Valley track, then turn right to Silica Rapids Track. You'll see one more waterfall and the rapids in this case. Return track takes 2-2.5 hours.


Waterfalls nearby

Taranaki Falls

Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Access:     2hrs  return walk
Driving:   5.2 km (7 mins)

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