Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Undulating, small hills only
Open tussock/grasslands
Volcanic
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +4.7%
Average Downhill Gradient: -6.1%
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1:00
Slow
0:45
Moderate
0:30
Fast
Starting at the dead end that is Ngauruhoe Place/Ngauruhoe Terrace, take the high road, sign posted for Taranki Falls. After approximately 3 km, you will veer down to the left, continuing to follow the signs for Taranaki Falls. Careful down the steep stairs, bask in the beauty of the Falls to the left. Continue on this track for another 3km and you will arrive back where you began.
Taranki Falls, Mt Doom (Mt Ngauruhoe), Mt Ruapehu, Chateau Tongariro
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On street parking along Ngauruhoe Terrace
16 km
13 minutes
No
No
Easy.
Keep to the left and you won't go wrong. Do not follow the signs for Tama Lakes or various huts
Perfect throughout.
Thermal leggings, Long-sleeved thermal top, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Map
No water available enroute, but water available in Whakapapa Village at both The Chateau and the Holiday Village
As it is alpine region, the weather can turn quickly and it is exposed, but generally safe. Snow fall expected during winter months
Some slippy rocks and ice during winter
Pihanga Cafe and T-Bar
Chateau Tongariro, Whakapapa Village
https://www.chateau.co.nz/food-drinks/pihanga-cafe-and-t-bar/
Good meals and coffee/beers available all day
Tussock Bar and Restaurant
Whakapapa Village
https://www.chateau.co.nz/food-drinks/tussock-bar-restaurant/
Hearty meals by the fire in a relaxed environment
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Taranaki Falls Beauty
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PG
I completed this today as part of a loop out to Upper Toma Lake and back. Fabulous little trail, very accessible and scenic.
March 20, 2021
SH
A really nice run with some cool features along the way very runnable for even a novice runner apart from the steep stairs above the waterfall. I done this trail clockwise and tried to run up them but failed haha.
February 6, 2020
An easily accessible yet challenging (push as much as you need) formed trail loop run. My go to for a run or walk if not much time to spare.
January 29, 2020
These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.