Lake Ngakoro Waterfall is roughly a 25-minutes’ drive away from Rotorua or 40-minutes’ from Taupo.

From Rotorua head south on the SH-5 for 29km. Turn left into Waiotapu Loop Rd and follow it for the next 1.8km until you reach an official Wai-o-Tapu car park. The huge parking is found near the Visitors Center. Toilets and picnic tables are available nearby.

From the parking make your own way to the Visitors Center and buy a Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Area Walk ticket (cost NZD $32.50 pp as per 2016).

From the Visitors Center follow the longest walk available in the park, which leads to the lookout at Lake Ngakoro. At the end of the walking track, at the lookout near Lake Ngakoro, you find a short (roughly 2 m high) waterfall. The waterfall is marked as number 18 on the Wai-o-Tapu Map.

The walking track is well-maintained and not difficult. The official map says it's 75 minutes return track, but these 75 minutes include photos and enjoyment the views. The track has some stairs, hence it’s not suitable for wheelchairs/kids strollers.