Huka Falls Walkway

Huka Falls

Time: 2 hr

Turn right off Tongariro Street into Spa Road at the northern end of Taupo, then left into County Avenue and drive into Spa Thermal Park. Following the signs, walk for five minutes across the park to the Waikato River.

Near the start of the walkway, a bridge crosses a natural hot stream. The well-defined track winds along the riverbank and offers lovely views on the way. The walk finishes at the spectacular Huka Falls, where the Waikato River is confined to a deep rock channel. The river emerges with a rush at the northern end to form the falls.

A pleasant walk for the whole family. Return via the same track or arrange transport from Huka Falls carpark (across the bridge). This walk can be linked with the Aratiatia Rapids Walk.

Huka Falls is one of New Zealand's most famous natural attractions, located on the Waikato River near Taupō on the North Island. It is renowned for its incredible beauty, the powerful flow of water, and its stunning blue color, making it a must-see destination for anyone traveling through the central North Island.

Key Features of Huka Falls:

1. Location:

   • Huka Falls is situated just a short drive from Taupō, one of the most popular tourist towns in New Zealand.
   • The falls are located along the Waikato River, which flows from Lake Taupō, the largest lake in New Zealand.

2. Size and Power:

   • While Huka Falls is not as tall as some of New Zealand’s other waterfalls, it is extremely wide and powerful.
   • The falls span about 15 meters (49 feet) in width and drop 11 meters (36 feet), with an impressive water flow of 220,000 liters per second (58,000 gallons per second) during peak flow.
   • The volume of water rushing through the narrow gorge creates a breathtaking roar as it plunges over the rocks.

3. Color of the Water:

   • The water at Huka Falls is known for its vivid turquoise blue color, which is a result of fine mineral particles suspended in the water, particularly silica from the lakebed. This creates a striking contrast against the surrounding greenery and rocky landscape.

4. Viewing Platforms:

   • There are multiple viewing platforms around Huka Falls, offering visitors a variety of perspectives of the falls.
   • The Huka Falls Lookout is a popular spot, providing a clear view of the falls from a higher vantage point. Another great location for viewing is the Huka Falls Track, a short walk that takes visitors closer to the base of the falls.
   • For those looking to experience the power of the falls up close, the footpath along the Waikato River provides great views as well, with the sound of the water growing louder as you approach.

5. Huka Falls Track:

   • The Huka Falls Track is a short, easy walk that follows the Waikato River for about 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) to the falls. The track is mostly flat and takes about 30 minutes to walk one way. It's an ideal way to enjoy the surrounding landscape, with views of the river and a variety of native plants along the path.
   • The track leads to several viewing areas, and you can choose to continue walking along the river or head back to the parking area.

6. Thrilling Activities:

   • Jet Boating: For those seeking adventure, Huka Falls is a popular spot for jet boating. Companies like Huka Jet offer exhilarating rides that take you right up close to the falls, where you can feel the spray of the water and witness the power of the river firsthand.
   • Huka Falls Whitewater Rafting: The upper reaches of the Waikato River also offer whitewater rafting opportunities, allowing visitors to navigate some of the rapids before reaching the falls.
   • Scenic Helicopter Flights: Another exciting way to experience Huka Falls is from the air. Helicopter tours provide stunning aerial views of the falls and the surrounding landscape, as well as Lake Taupō.

7. Nearby Attractions:

   • Taupō: The nearby town of Taupō is famous for its lake, hot springs, and opportunities for adventure activities like skydiving, bungee jumping, and fishing. It’s a great place to stay and explore the region.
   • Craters of the Moon: A short drive from Huka Falls, Craters of the Moon is a geothermal area with active mud pools, steaming vents, and walking tracks.
   • Lake Taupō: New Zealand's largest lake, offering activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming. It’s also home to some beautiful beaches and parks.
   • Orakei Korako: A geothermal park with geysers, hot springs, and silica terraces, located just a short drive from Taupō.

8. Best Time to Visit:

   • Huka Falls can be visited year-round, but it’s especially popular in summer (December to February), when the weather is warmer and the flow of the Waikato River is at its peak.
   • The area can be busy during the summer months, so if you prefer a quieter experience, visiting in the shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) might be more peaceful.
   • The falls are particularly stunning after rainfall, when the water flow is at its highest, but be prepared for the loud noise of the water crashing down.

Conservation Efforts:

• Huka Falls and the surrounding area are part of a protected natural environment. Efforts are in place to ensure the falls and the nearby landscapes are preserved for future generations to enjoy. The land is managed by Taupō District Council, and public education about respecting nature and wildlife is encouraged.

Conclusion:

Huka Falls is one of the most stunning and iconic natural attractions in New Zealand. Whether you're walking along the Huka Falls Track, enjoying the view from one of the platforms, or experiencing the thrill of jet boating or whitewater rafting, Huka Falls offers something for everyone. The combination of the incredible power of the falls, the mesmerizing color of the water, and the surrounding natural beauty makes it a must-see destination when traveling through the Waikato region.