New Zealand is renowned for its breathtaking natural wonders, and Huka Falls, located in the heart of the North Island, is undoubtedly a top attraction. In this blog, we'll delve into the magic of Huka Falls, exploring its geological marvel, turquoise beauty, year-round appeal, and the best ways to explore this captivating destination.

Huka Falls is not your average waterfall; it's a geological wonder. Nestled on the Waikato River near Taupo, this awe-inspiring spectacle is formed when the mighty Waikato River narrows dramatically, creating a roaring torrent as it squeezes through a narrow chasm of volcanic rock. The falls plunge 11 meters (36 feet) into a brilliant turquoise pool below, making it a geological marvel. One of the most striking features of Huka Falls is the stunning turquoise color of the water. This vibrant hue results from the river's mineral-rich content, including finely ground volcanic rock particles. As the water crashes over the falls, it becomes aerated, causing the suspended particles to reflect sunlight and create an otherworldly shade of blue-green. The contrast between the white foam and the vibrant water is nothing short of mesmerizing.

Huka Falls is a year-round attraction. Whether you visit in the summer or winter, the falls maintain their awe-inspiring beauty. In winter, the surroundings may be dusted with snow, creating a picturesque scene. In summer, lush greenery and clear skies provide the perfect backdrop for exploration. Visitors to Huka Falls can experience its grandeur from various vantage points. There are well-maintained walking trails and viewing platforms that offer stunning perspectives. Feel the mist on your face as you stand on the bridge spanning the chasm, or take a boat tour to get closer to the cascade. The walking tracks around the falls also allow you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty, with native flora and fauna enhancing the experience.

Soak under a waterfall or in the natural rock pools whilst taking in the stunning views of the deep green, crystal-clear waters of the mighty Waikato River, New Zealand’s longest river.

The Otumuheke Stream area had a significant upgrade in 2018 including new changing rooms, lockers and toilets, river edge lounging platforms, a hot spring seating area, coffee kiosk and storyboards explaining the historic significance of the area. Otumuheke is a historical bathing and meeting place for Māori and the redevelopment has been a joint project between local iwi (Māori tribes) and the Taupō District Council.

Adjacent to the bathing area is the start of the Huka Trail which leads to Huka Falls, New Zealand’s most visited natural attraction. The trail follows the banks of the Waikato River, showcasing spectacular scenery whilst taking hikers through areas of native bush before arriving at the Falls. This walk will take two hours return for those of average fitness and is the perfect way to discover some of the most beautiful natural surroundings of the area.

Lake Taupō is a lake in the North Island of New Zealand. It is in the caldera of the Taupō Volcano. The lake is the namesake of the town of Taupō, which sits on a bay in the lake's north-eastern shore. With a surface area of 616 square kilometres (238 sq mi), it is the largest lake by surface area in New Zealand, and the second largest freshwater lake by surface area in geopolitical Oceania after Lake Murray in Papua New Guinea. Motutaiko Island lies in the south east area of the lake.

Lake Taupō has a perimeter of approximately 193 kilometres and a maximum depth of 186 metres. It is drained by the Waikato River (New Zealand's longest river), and its main tributaries are the Waitahanui River, the Tongariro River, and the Tauranga Taupō River. It is a noted trout fishery with stocks of introduced brown and rainbow trout.

The level of the lake is controlled by Mercury Energy, the owner of the eight hydroelectric dams on the Waikato River downstream of Lake Taupō, using gates built in 1940–41.

Back in the 1880s, there were few roads in Taupo. Goods were shipped across Lake Taupo from Tokaanu Wharf.

Regular boat services stopped in the 1920s but this piece of Kiwi history lives on. In 2003, the wharf was lovingly restored with original beams and decking.

Tokaanu Historic Wharf is one of the hidden gems of Taupo. It's a beautiful spot for fishing, a picnic or for a walk. The calm waters and stunning mountain background make for a great photos during the day or at night.

Home to three active volcanic mountains, and iconic and majestic landscapes, Tongariro National Park has attracted adventurers of all ages since 1887.

With wide-open spaces, some of the best hikes in the world and must-see natural wonders, Tongariro National Park is the perfect destination for families, couples and explorers seeking adventure, fun and an escape into nature.

The villages of National Park, Whakapapa, Raurimu and Erua lie at the heart of this volcanic wonderland. They offer a choice of accommodation to suit all styles and budgets from family-friendly units to backpacker hostels to luxury suites and boutique lodges. You will also find an exceptional range of places to eat and drink, exciting activities and essential services. Everything you need to stay and play at New Zealand's first National Park.

It just happens that State Highway One passes ancient Hatupatu's rock, a stone with long striations, a strange symmetrical indentation, and a myth pre-dating Pakeha.

Te Kohatu (the rock) was the savior of Hatupatu, one of the original warriors from the Arawa Waka, when he was being chased by a Tipua. A Tipua was similar to a Taniwha in that it was a supernatural being, and this one was named Kurangaituku, and came in the form of a bird-woman. 

Hatupatu was said to have said a desperate Karakia (prayer) here and the rock opened up and let him in, saving him from the spirit-being. The hole was his entry, and the striations are representative of the claws of the Tipua. When he emerged, he defeated Kurangaituku. To see an animation of the story, click here, or an watch the story on Roadside Stories. 

Some visitors to the rock will gift twigs of manuka or fern and other small gifts to the rock, in the same way as this is done at the homes of mythical Taniwha. The roading authorities have shown sufficient respect to create a small carpark and a ponga-trunk shield from the highway for Hatupatu's rock. 

To start this walk, you must go to the western end on Kinloch beach (right of the car park). Glorious views feature as the track climbs from Whangamata Bay and sidles along the top of a broad cliff. The bush is dominated by rewarewa but look out for the giant matai too. Once you reach the rocky lookout the track winds down into Kawakawa Bay. Here there is a shelter, toilet and plenty of opportunities for a swim or lakeside picnic.

Return via the same track, or link with the Orakau trail.

The Wairēinga/Bridal Veil Falls walk is an easy 10 minute walk through native bush, following the Pakoka River for most of the way, to two viewing platforms at the top, both providing stunning vistas and ample photo opportunities of the plunging white falls flanked by grey rock and green bush.

Looking down to the base of the waterfall, you will see soft sandstone rocks, worn away by the water to form a large amphitheatre.

A steep set of steps leads down to the bottom of the falls. From here there is another magnificent view, directly across the pool and up at the falls.

Waipunga Falls are a spectacular sight that involve no walking to visit. You can view these falls from the road side, as you're driving along the Napier-Taupo Road (State Highway 5). If you want to get closer, you can park up and walk for approximately 1 minute. At a stunning 40 metres in height, these waterfalls have an amazing trickling effect with multiple tiers for the water to hit before reaching the bottom. 

An easy, mainly flat track suitable for families and casual riders. It can be enjoyed in any direction, and started at a number of different points. This means shorter routes can be tailored to suit your particular needs. There is only one major climb on the trail, up to the Tongariro River Lookout at the northern end of the loop – well worth the effort when you reach the top and take in the view of the river, set against the backdrop of the mountains in the Tongariro National Park. From the high banks above the river, there are excellent views of the river’s calm pools and rippling rapids. Keep an eye out for trout or watch the fly fishing action - the Tongariro River is a world renowned fishery.

Popular option

To complete the full 15 km loop without needing to cross busy SH1, start the trail at the Tūrangi i-SITE and use the underpass under the road – you'll join the trail at Taupahi Reserve.

Heading south you'll pass the Major Jones Bridge, then on through the Waikari Reserve and past the Tongariro National Trout Centre, before reaching the southern end of the trail at Red Hut Bridge. Cross the bridge and come back along the Tongariro River Walkway on the far side of the river, towards the Lookout track and the SH1 bridge. Here there is another underpass to take, before following the mosaic pathway back to the i-SITE.

There are many shorter options within the trail including the Waikari Reserve loop and the Taupahi Reserve track on the town side of the river, and the Lookout track and Tongariro Walkway on the far side. The Tongariro National Trout Centre is also on route, which is a destination in itself. Take a walk along the river’s edge, learn about the fishery, or visit the whio creche and freshwater aquarium.

This is a shared track popular with anglers, dog walkers and mountain bikers. Bikers give way to walkers. The river is home to the endangered whio; keep dogs under control at all times, and on a leash during whio nesting season (August to October).

Kinloch was originally a sheep station but is now a popular holiday destination. A sandy beach stretches along the Whangamata Bay. The beach is in the center of a all-weather marina and the Whangamata Stream Scenic Reserve. This access point is used for all water activities including swimming, fishing, boating and water skiing. There is a bush covered track that will connect you to Kawa Kawa Bay.

Lake Rotopounamu is about an 11km drive from the town of Turangi. They say Lake Rotopounamu was formed by an extra large landslide around 10,000 years ago. The lake is nine meters deep and one square kilometer in size. Lake Rotopounamu makes a very good place to stop to stretch the legs on your way to Mt Ruapehu or further south to Wanganui.

Crystal clear water, but very cold. You will find plenty of places to walk down on to the sandy beaches

A very good track to walk on, the track was very well maintained. The toilets are at Long Beach, not the start of the walk, more like half way.

About an hour south of Taupō, this gem of a ride is just off the Desert Road. It has river crossings, rocks and awesome beech forest riding. You can turn around at the Pillars of Hercules and ride back the same way, or take the more challenging track back out to the State Highway and ride back along the road a few kilometres to your starting point.

This single track trail is great fun, but be prepared to get wet feet as there are river crossings along the route. A grade 4 trail, it is most suited to experienced riders and intermediate riders seeking a challenge.

The Opotaka kainga (settlement) sat on the edge of Lake Rotoaira and was one of a series of similar villages on the lake edge. Opotaka was surrounded by swamp on three sides, and by Lake Rotoaira on the other. Artefacts found at Opotaka confirm that it was probably occupied around the 1820s-1840s, when Maori and Europeans first had contact with each other in the area, and include both traditional artefacts such as obsidian and stone adzes, as well as metal tools.

It was here that the great warrior and Ngāti Toa chief Te Rauparaha, performed the now famous Ka Mate haka for the first time.

During a period of imminent conflict, Te Rauparaha journeyed from Kawhia to seek alliances with other tribes. When he arrived in Taupō he was told by Te Heu Heu, the Paramount Chief of Tūwharetoa that he was being pursued by a war party who were seeking revenge. Te Heu Heu directed Te Rauparaha to Lake Rotoaira to seek protection from his relative Te Wharerangi.

A large grass reserve beside the lake shore. Access via Ani Miria Place off SH1. A large sign explains the dog exercising areas around the Taupo region. Dog droppings must be removed. Let your dog run free, playing with sticks and floating pumice, and swimming in the lake.

The water is crystal clear and clean! The children will love this area too. Enjoy!

At the Aratiatia Rapids, the Waikato River falls 28 metres in the space of one kilometre. The surging rapids have been harnessed to produce environmentally sustainable hydroelectric power.

To view the Aratiatia Rapids gradually filling up, make sure you arrive a few minutes before the dam is due to release. There are three lookout points on the high rock bluffs that overlook the river.

Aratiatia Rapids IS NOT a safe place to swim. The dam can release water at any time and without warning

Swimming IS NOT permitted at the Aratiatia Rapids. It is extremely dangerous and sadly death and injuries have occurred in the past. The dam can potentially open at anytime.

Before every opening of the dam warning sirens can be heard. Listen out for these warnings and ensure only viewing from a safe viewing point. Please note that the dam gates may release at any time without warning!

The bike track follows the beautiful Waihaha River up to the Waihaha Hut which is set in a clearing overlooking the river.

This trail is grade 4 and is 9km one way into the hut. Riders return the same way, making it an 18km return journey. The trail has been upgraded to make it more rideable but there are still some difficult sections where bikes will need to be carried. The trail is suitable for riders of moderate skill levels and fitness and you can expect to complete the return journey in approximately 3 hours.

The first part of the trail meanders along the Waihaha River bank and follows upstream through shrubland before entering dense podocarp forest. After 9km of riding you will reach a picturesque clearing where you’ll find the 10 bunk Waihaha Hut, a popular overnight location for hunters and trampers. The hut overlooks the Waihaha River where there is a good spot for a quick swim in summer. Have lunch at the hut (pack your own) or a drink stop before heading back out of the forest the way you came in.

This ride is considered one of the most accessible and achievable adventure rides in the Taupō region. The shorter distance makes it achievable for those with moderate fitness while still experiencing the remoteness of the forest in the Pureora ranges.

Make sure you carry enough food, water and warm clothes as the weather can change quickly in the backcountry, and always let someone know where you are going and what time you expect to return.