Huka Falls

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Route: Waikato River, Aratiata Walkway, Huka Falls Viewpoint, Huka Falls Lookout

Date: 02/03/2023
From: Huka Falls Road

Parking: Huka Falls car park
Start Point: Huka Falls car park
Finish Point: Huka Falls car park
Region: Taupō

Route length: 1.5km
Time taken: 00:40
Average speed: 4.9km/h
Ascent: 67m
Descent: 71m

Points of Interest: Waikato River, Huka Falls

Huka Falls, located just five minutes' drive from Taupō, is the most-visited natural attraction in New Zealand. While not a high waterfall (just 11m), the volume of the water taking the short plunge is enough to fill an Olympic swimming pool in just 11 seconds, making it one of the most powerful falls in the world. You'll hear the roar of the falls before you see them.

Its popularity stems from its beauty and from the fact that it lies right next to State Highway 1, the main road that follows the spine of New Zealand's North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui). One of the most remarkable things about the falls is the incredible colour of the water, which is a result of the mineral content of the water and air bubbles intensifying the reflected blue light. 

There are several short trails around the falls that can be used to view from falls from a number of different perspectives, including those immediately next to them.

There is a car park next to the falls where you'll be able to access the trails. The first view of the river is from the bridge that crosses the gorge. The Waikato River is New Zealand's longest river, flowing from the volcanic Mount Ruapehu and through Lake Taupō. The name Waikato comes from the Māori language and translates as flowing water. Generally, it is 50 - 100m wide but as it approaches the falls it a squeezed into a narrow gorge just 15m wide and the results are spectacular.

The Waikato River above Huka Falls

Waikato River squeezes its way into the narrow gorge

Once across the bridge, we opted for a short loop that climbs into the woods away from the falls. This is usually a bike track but recent track closures have meant it is now dual-use. After a couple of hundred metres, we reached the first viewpoint of the waterfall.

Huka Falls

Huka Falls

The viewpoint above the falls

We headed back towards the car park along part of the Aratiatia Walkway, a longer route through the Aratiatia Rapids Scenic Reserve. There are a couple of lookouts that get you very close to the falls and you'll soon appreciate the meaning behind the name Huka Falls - Huka is the traditional Māori word for foam and there is lots of it.

Huka Falls

The Waikato River

Above Huka Falls

The best view of the falls is from the opposite side of the river, the same side as the car park. If you head to the north you'll find a path that leads 200m to an open area that looks back to the falls. You'll get a better view of the falls and river from here. 

Waikato River and Huka Falls

Huka Falls

Huka Falls

If you're just passing through the area then Huka Falls is well worth a quick stop, even if it's just at the higher lookout on Huka Falls Loop Road. Here you'll get a good view down to the river and see the gorge in more context (you can also hike here from the previous lookout). 

Huka Falls and Waikato River

Huka Falls