Last Updated: 15th Apr 2024

Beginner

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Taranaki Falls Beauty

National Park, Manawatu - Wanganui

Submitted by Orla Drylie

Last Updated: 15th Apr 2024

Beginner

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 9 ?

Gnarl Factor: 20 ?

6.3km

165m

165m

1200m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Loop

Undulating, small hills only

Open tussock/grasslands

Volcanic

Run Makeup

80%
20%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +4.7%

Average Downhill Gradient: -6.1%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

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

If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.

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

Dylan Arthur

Dylan Arthur

has completed Taranaki Falls Beauty 5 times in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

I completed this today as part of a loop out to Upper Toma Lake and back. Fabulous little trail, very accessible and scenic.

Pip Guthrey

March 20, 2021

One of my favourites!

Richele McKenzie

January 6, 2021

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.

Shaun Hawira

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.

Chantel Smith

January 29, 2020

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Overlapping Trails

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.

Taranaki Falls & Tama Lakes

Taranaki Falls & Tama Lakes

Length: 18.5km

Level: Beginner

RTM - East & North

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Length: 45.0km

Level: Experienced

Tongariro Northern Circuit

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Length: 44.5km

Level: Intermediate

Tongariro Switcheroo

Tongariro Switcheroo

Length: 32.0km

Level: Very Experienced

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