Taranaki Falls are located in the heart of Tongariro National Park, which interestingly became New Zealand’s first National Park in 1887! Tongariro National Park is also recognised as one of 28 World Heritage Sites, due to its cultural and spiritual importance to Maori (as well as the geological significance of the volcanic structures found there)
The falls are on an amazing loop track, which is a 2 hour return walk, beginning 100m below the Whakapapa Village Visitors Center. The track goes through tussock and native New Zealand bush. One could argue this walk gives you the most ‘classic New Zealand experience’ you could ever ask for. It even boasts views of Mt Ngauruhoe (aka Mt Doom), and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported straight into the heart of Middle Earth.
The falls itself is 20m high. Water plummets over the edge of a 15,000 year old lava flow into a pool of water surrounded by the most photogenic boulders I’ve ever seen! I have great memories of swimming in this pool on a school camp, adventuring behind and through the waterfall. (When these photos were taken I wasn’t brave enough to repeat the experience, but one day again, I’m sure).
Now, you might be thinking its a little odd to call a waterfall “taranaki falls’ when its nowhere near Taranaki! I was too! Taranaki Falls is actually the source point of the Whanganui River which, according to Maori Legend, was formed by the path of Mt Taranaki as he traveled from the central north island to his current resting place. (The full legend is found at the bottom of this post).
One day, I’ll do the mountain to coast biking trip from Taranaki Falls to the mouth of the Whanganui River. One day, when the husband gets a bike (hint hint Moo) preferably while we are still living in the mighty Whanganui. Anyway, below is a little collection of the amazing views along the way.
Happy Exploring
Moo-Chelle
The Legend of Mt Taranaki
According to Maori Legend, Mt Taranaki was a peaceful mountain that stood for many centuries in the Central North Island along with Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro.
Nearby stood Mount Pihanga. Covered in a cloak of deep green forest she presented a stunning sight and all the mountain gods were in love with her.
Taranaki dared to make advances to Pihanga and was reproached by Tongariro and a mighty battle ensued between them. The earth shook and the sky became dark as the mountains belched forth their anger. When the battle ended the lovely Pihanga stood close by Tongariro’s side. Taranaki, wild with grief and jealously, angrily wrenched his roots from the ground and left the other mountains.
Weeping, he plunged towards the setting sun, gouging out a deep wide trench. When he reached the sea he turned north and stumbled up the coast. As he slept that night the Pouakai Ranges snared and trapped Taranaki in the place he now rests.
The next day a stream of clear water sprang from the side of Tongariro. It flowed down the deep scar Taranaki had left on his journey to the coast to form the Whanganui River