Well, it’s been a hot minute thanks to COVID-19 lockdowns, but I finally made it to waterfall number 7 of the year (just in time before the country went back into level 2 and Auckland went into lockdown) . If you’ve read some of my other posts you might know that one of the goals I made at the start of the year was to visit 20 waterfalls in 2020. I would have liked to be much further on but know, but hey, it’s been a weird year (and I’m trying really hard to make it to waterfalls I’ve never seen/visited before so that makes things a bit more challenging!)
I happened to visit Waitanguru Falls spontaneously while on a trip exploring Taranaki with my Mother-in-Law (more to come on some of the other outdoor adventures we had). We had decided to drive the “scenic-route” from New Plymouth to Ohakune where we had planned to meet my hubby for the weekend. There were 2 waterfalls we had planned to visit (Oamaru and Mt Damper-if you see a hyperlink or two here you’ll know I managed to go back later) but they were relatively long hikes (30mins and an hour) and we found ourselves in a hail/thunder/lightning situation and very not keen to risk a downpour with a long drive still to go.
Anyway. When we arrived at Poipoi in a gap in the torrential weather we spotted a sign “Waterfall” and after a quick google discovered it was only 20km away, and only a 15-20min return walk. Perfect! The falls are only a 2.5hour drive from New Plymouth (or 3.5 hours from Auckland, and well worth the trip!). As a side note, Waitanguru translates to mean “rapidly rushing water” and it definitely lives up to its name!
So off we went. At Poipoi you turn right off SH3 and drive 20km through Mangaotaki Valley (on Mangaotaki road), also know as Trollshaw Forest (from The Hobbit: an unexpected journey). With its white cliffs and ancient forest, you can see why this place was the backdrop of the largest onscreen location for the film. It’s an absolutely beautiful drive, with lots of interesting things to look at (such as the rock dice on the hill).
Once you’ve driven about 20km, you’ll see the classic Doc sign on the right hand side, with lots of parking and a great little picnic spot. From there, enjoy a short and easy stool on a well maintained track to the waterfall and viewing platform (just be careful if it’s wet not to slip on the steps, I fell and broke a nail 😂😂)
Honestly, this forest walk is amazing. You feel like you’ve been transported to New Zealand 300 years ago, before all the British visitors arrived and started urbanising the land. The forest is lush and thriving, and the native flora is exactly how it should be. (Spot my always bright MiL walking through the forest, like how peaceful and idilic does that look!)
The falls themselves are a 15m horsetail waterfall with interesting rock formations. (-and if you look closely you can see the foliage nearby moving in the breeze created from the falling water). I would highly recommend this walk as a pit stop on a long road trip, it’s perfect for kids (and a stroller) who need to run out some energy, or adults who need a quick burst of fresh air. I probably won’t be back as it’s so far from my hometown and out of the way, but I will never forget this waterfall!
Don’t stop chasing waterfalls
Xx
Moochelle