Lake Ngakoro Waterfall

 

Lake Ngakoro Waterfall

Lake Ngakoro Waterfall is a charming thermal waterfall, which is found in Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland Park, 25 minutes’ drive away from Rotorua. The water in the waterfall is always super-hot, hence don’t attempt to touch it!

Driving and walking conditions

GPS of the view point: S 38° 21' 49.128" E 176° 22' 9.684"
Parking: Waiotapu Loop Rd, RD 3, Rotorua
Vehicle type: All vehicle types Track type: Walking track
Road type: Sealed Return track duration: 1hr 15min

Waterfall parameters

Waterfall height: 2m Type of the waterfall: Cascade

Rating:       ⭐
GPS:          S 38° 21' 49.128" E 176° 22' 9.684"
Parking:     Waiotapu Loop Rd, RD 3, Rotorua
Access:     1hr 15min return walk


Walking and driving instructions

 

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.


Waterfalls nearby

Kerosene Creek Waterfall

Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐
Access:     10min return walk
Driving:   6.1 km (8 mins)

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