One of the best National Parks I have been to. If possible, I would recommend the Tongariro Crossing if you have the fitness capabilities. It was the best day hike I have ever completed. Tama Lakes hike could be a nice alternative as well. All photos in this review were from the crossing. We took the first shuttle in the morning and I would really recommend that.

So beautiful place! Marvelous alpine crossing hike! We did it for 7 hour with a good speed but several chill breaks) It's one way trail, so you need to book a shuttle in advance

I've been here on 20th May 2025 with my friends. I’d been walking from 8:20 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. It was such a beautiful day. But I felt a little tired. haha On the way to the top of the mountain, I could feel the signs of autumn. The air was so fresh that I wanted to take deep breaths. The scenery was also stunning and vast. I felt like I was given energy by nature.

One of the best hikes to Tongariro Crossing Emerald Lake Lookout! Views are awesome! Fantastic panorama view, lakes, red crater and volcano mountain. Will never forget!

Only went up until devils stair case and return. It was a beautiful day and the views were amazing.

When I was in Taupō in July 2025 I visited Tongariro National Park. I was looking for a 2-2.5hr walk and the visitor centre suggested a few. I decided to do the Silica Rapids Loop track, and I was not at all disappointed. On the 7km loop track you move through many vegetation types (e.g., from closed forest, to open bogs, etc.) The interpretive signs along the way teach you about the adaptations that plants and animals have to survive the harsher, higher altitude environments. The views were breathtaking, especially when you come around the corner and the snow capped mountains suddenly come into view or you get to the Silica Rapids. This area has walks for everyone - they that range easy 40-50 min trails through to the Tongariro crossing. And if you’d rather just see snow, you can drive up to Mt Ruapehu and take the gondola up to near the top. Must visit when in the area!

Since we only arrived in the late afternoon, I hiked about 40 minutes of the Alpine Crossing before turning back while my husband went a little further. The terrain of the national park was so intriguing since three volcanoes make their home here. 🌋 There are restrooms along the way, and the path is entirely unpaved. We enjoyed checking out the visitor center too and getting some guidance from a ranger before setting out on a hike. The highlight was, of course, seeing Mount Doom.

Taranaki Falls is a pretty great loop and, taken with some other smaller hikes/walks in the area, makes for a lovely main event for the day. There are plenty of open areas along the hike that have great views of the nearby mountains and there are enough stretches of forest cover to keep the hike from feeling repetitive. The falls themselves are very beautiful and photogenic. If you can find the time to include this hike, it's worth the time spent on the trail.

Visited Taranaki Falls in September 2025, and it was a truly refreshing and scenic spot in Tongariro National Park! We drove to the trailhead and started the hike, which is an easy to moderate 2–3 hour loop, suitable for most fitness levels. The highlight, of course, was Taranaki Falls itself — a 20-meter waterfall that plunges dramatically over a lava cliff into a picturesque pool below. The sight of the water cascading with such force, surrounded by greenery and rocks, was mesmerizing. The sound of the waterfall combined with the peaceful environment made it a perfect spot to pause and soak in nature. The trail also offers great viewpoints, boardwalks over streams, and plenty of photo opportunities. We visited in early spring, so there were patches of snow around, adding a beautiful contrast to the lush forest and crisp mountain air. Taranaki Falls is ideal for both short hikes and nature photography. Well-maintained, accessible, and breathtaking, it’s a must-visit for anyone exploring Tongariro National Park. A rewarding experience that combines adventure and natural beauty!

Great hike to the falls and back. But the qualification ’easy’ might only apply to young people in excellent shape. We did a full loop, taking the lower (Northern) route on the way to the falls and the upper (Southern) on the way back. The lower route had a lot of diversity. The terrain was very nice and variable, through high bushes and forests with ferns, over small bridges and along a thundering stream. But it also has a lot of stairs up and down - mainly up towards the end. This path did not feel ‘easy’ to us, but we are in our early 60s and not experienced hikers. By the time we reached the waterfall my legs were shaking because of all those stairs. The waterfall was stunning, but a loud group of abseiled took away from the serene experience I had hoped for. So far on our trip, a lot of nice waterfalls or hikes are populated with loud groups of abseilers or waterfall jumpers. The upper path back still had some steep stair steps to the top of the waterfall, but then was relatively flat , and mostly slowly descending, with some steps. The hike took us 2h40 min (not the 2h as advertised) because of the staircases.

Beautiful and easy walk to the falls which then loops back to the carpark. Few ups and downs but mostly flat with stunning scenery along the way. Took us 1 hr 45 with a few short stops along the way. Highly recommended as an easier hiking option in the National Park.

Taranaki Falls is absolutely stunning! If you walk at a good pace, you can reach it in about 45 minutes from the car park—but since we took our time for photos along the way, it took us about an hour. The whole walk (return) took around 2 hours. And the best part? It's completely free—no entrance fee! The trail is peaceful, scenic, and not difficult at all. The journey itself is already beautiful, but the Falls at the end make it totally worth it. Highly recommend this amazing spot!💖

An easy hike for beginners - a couple of stairs here and there during the walk. Clear and steady path walk. Heaps of carpark space, so no issues to have a big group to go for walk/hike. Recommend to check the weather before coming! Beautiful and amazing views 😍

This majestic waterfall was absolutely gushing when we visited in late September. We hiked the lower half of the loop on the way there, following along the river through the forest and up to the ridge for scenic vistas leading up to the falls pool. That was lucky, since it was fully dark by the time we made it back to the parking lot and the high road was much more open to the moon and stars- we didn't need to use our flashlights until the very end. Saw a rabbit in the parking lot as we left, though not much more for wildlife on this drizzly spring day. A reasonable hike, checked the AllTrails profile ahead of time which seemed accurate.

A conversation with the Super helpful staff helped us make the best use of our time here. Tons of information on the history of the area presented in a museum like setting complete with a video presentation room. Clean, indoor toilet facilities. There is a large selection of topographical maps and literature available for purchase.

Friendly, helpful staff helped us plan the best day hikes in the park for the shifting weather conditions. Informative displays on the local wildlife and plants. Clean toilet facilities.

The visit centre have so many historic stories and they can give you so much help 👍

Easy to find and very nice personnel who helped us plan our hike for the day.

Amazing journey through beautiful landscapes all around us, and the destination being above all of them… that’s Ruapehu !

What a beautiful location and amazing visitors center, tons of helpful info for hikes and trails and volcanic information

The Staff at the centre are amazing! They gave solid advice for the northern circuit treck, after a days hiking in torrential rain & cold gale winds from waihohonu hut they gave me warmth & a place to change from my soggy mess. It was needed and appreciated, please don’t underestimate the weather. Seek advice. The centre is awesome, super informative with a lovely shop to buy some bits you may have forgot. Bravo 🙌 😘

Went on a weekday, the last Wednesday of July and the weather gods blessed us with perfect weather - sunny, a bit nippy, with little to no clouds. Staff were very friendly & accommodating, our questions met with clear, helpful, & concise answers.

Great deal on the gondola ride, plus a burger and a drink! Burger was incredible, and the drink can be alcoholic or non-alcoholic. It was cloudy, so the view on the way up was limited, but still a cool ride and the cafe at the top was great. Whether it was because we were there in the shoulder season (February) or the weather, it was definitely not crowded. The summer tickets let you hop on the gondola whenever, but having tickets in advance made the process very quick and smooth. ONE NOTE (for out-of-town visitors): Some of the names of the ski village and gondola make it easy to think that they are located in Wakapapa Village, but they are not. They are further up the mountain. If you have a car, this isn’t an issue, but if you were shuttled in by your hotel and dropped off at the Wakapapa Visitors Center, you are still a 10-minute drive away from the gondola. It is not safe to walk up, so your options are a 1+ hour hike that gets you most of the way up (ask the visitor center staff), hitchhiking (apparently safe enough in NZ, but might be harder to get back down, depending on the time of year and the number of visitors), or talking to one of the local shuttle providers about booking a specialty drop-off and pick-up (which is what we did).

A Great Winter Experience with Tasty Café Treats! Had a really fun time riding the gondola up the snowy mountain—such a scenic and enjoyable experience! Once at the top, there's a cozy little café that serves surprisingly good coffee at a decent price. Highly recommend trying their cauliflower fries—crispy, flavorful, and a nice warm snack for the cold weather. It can get pretty crowded, especially around midday, so be prepared for some lines. But if you're up for a walk, heading farther up the mountain is worth it. The crowds thin out, and it gets wonderfully peaceful. Great spot to play in the snow or just enjoy the winter scenery. Definitely recommend for a mix of adventure, great views, and a warm drink in hand!

Nice and smooth ride with awesome views. Good place to chill with family or friends. Café at the top is cool with yummy food. Great in summer and winter. Easy and my way!

This experience was an absolute standout, offering an unforgettable combination of excitement and enjoyment. The novel way of ascending and descending the mountain was a major thrill, especially for our little one, and I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a unique adventure. The staff's exceptional friendliness and warm welcome were the icing on the cake, making this experience truly unforgettable. A huge thank you to the staff.

This place is actually over rated. Poor people management, over priced tickets, no coordinations, poor visual controls, blurred/dirty gondola glasses , not enough seating area to rest or eat.. 54$ sight seeing ticket for an adult which allows you to access 50 Sq feet 🤨

World class standard and service. This is a must place to visit when in New Zealand. Best time June - August

It is hard to find attractions on the North Island that could rival the glamour and beauty of what is found on the South Island. This 10 minute bush walk just before the famous chateau and Whakapapa Ski-field is a hidden gem and used to film locations seen on LOTR The Two Towers. The attraction itself is beautiful, but I would say it can get pretty crowded. You can explore it from both the bottom and the top easily. It is not a tall waterfall by any means but it is surrounded by spectacular nature.

A short and easy walk, just seven minutes all up, and ideal with kids. We had the whole place to ourselves, which made it feel even more peaceful and special. It’s another Lord of the Rings filming location ticked off our list, and what a stunning spot it is. The water is unbelievably fresh — some of the purest we’ve ever tasted — and the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. Honestly, it’s hard to see how anyone could rate this anything less than five stars. Some reviewers really need to have a proper look… or pull their heads in.

A bit of a longer walk than the nearby Mounds Walk but not a difficult one by any stretch. It's a well maintained path with lots of stairs and hand rails. It has two view points for the falls and both are well set up for some nice pictures. There is a parking lot but it is very small and was completely full even midweek during the off-season, so plan accordingly. Absolutely worth checking out if you are in the area.

Visited Tawhai Falls (Gollum’s Pool) in September 2025 and it was such a beautiful and peaceful stop! Located in Tongariro National Park, this stunning waterfall is easily accessible with just a short 10–15 minute walk from the carpark. The trail is well-maintained, surrounded by lush native forest, moss-covered rocks and the soothing sound of running water, making it a lovely, relaxing stroll suitable for all ages. When we reached the falls, we immediately recognized the spot from The Lord of the Rings, this is where Gollum was seen catching fish! Seeing it in real life felt surreal. The waterfall cascades gracefully into a deep blue pool surrounded by volcanic rocks and the view was absolutely mesmerizing. The combination of clear turquoise water, greenery, and the dramatic backdrop of Mount Tongariro made it feel like a hidden gem straight out of Middle-earth. We visited in early spring and the weather was cool and crisp, with the sunlight creating a magical glow on the water. It’s a perfect spot for photography, peaceful, scenic and not crowded. Tawhai Falls may be small, but it’s full of charm and cinematic beauty. A must-stop for Lord of the Rings fans and nature lovers alike, quick, easy and incredibly rewarding!

Beautiful little side adventure! Whether you’re a Lord of the Rings fan or not, this short hike to a gorgeous river and waterfall is well worth it!!!!

Beautiful NZ bush and amazing falls and rapids! Take care, as steps and rocks a bit slippery after rain.

Easy walk that takes 15-20 minutes to get to the falls. Walk with caution in rainy/wet conditions!

We visited Ohakune Carrot Adventure Park on a rainy day, so unfortunately we couldn’t try out many of the rides and activities. Still, it’s a lovely spot with the iconic big carrot and plenty of play areas that look fun for kids when the weather is better. The park seems well maintained and would be a great stop on a suny day. We’ll definitely come back again to explore fully

Brilliant park.. asked our boy to rate it out of 10.. and he said a big 10.. great place to visit.. so much for kids to do from playground to assault course to the bike track.. and a nice river walk too.. great spot.. well done Ohakune..

Amazing park! All free and much bigger than it looks from the road. In such good condition, well maintained, clean and safe playground. Awesome!

Surprisingly cool little park, with lots of photo opps, an obstical course, a free flying fox!, and a few cute little contemplation spots along the river. Went here with three of my 30-something-y/o friends and we all enjoyed ourselves more than expected.

It seems like a pleasant destination to consider if one happens to be in the area. There appear to be numerous activities available to engage children, and my children particularly enjoyed the flying fox experience.

Great park for young and old to walk about and have a break. Take a lunch and have fun with the kids

This is a free must do visit if you are around ohakune. Super family friendly and good experience not just for the young but also for those who are young at heart. Thank you for this great place.

We had a fantastic time at the NZ Army Museum with our family! The museum was well-managed, and although we were a bit late for the guided tour, the exhibits were still engaging. One suggestion for improvement could be offering discounted prices for visitors who miss the guided tour. Our kids thoroughly enjoyed wearing the uniform costumes and taking photos around the tanks – the setup outside was particularly impressive! The interactive elements and displays were great for families. Overall, a wonderful experience, and we'd definitely recommend it to others.

Made an impromptu visit to the museum without expecting much and it turned out to be a fruitful visit. The museum is a nice stopover between Whakapapa and Napier : there is a cafe and petrol station nearby. The museum itself presents a narrative of the NZ army and its history in context with world history with some highlights of its role in global conflicts abroad such as the two World Wars and modern wars. There are plenty of exhibits and dioramas presented throughout and the guides were engaging. There are some hardware within the museum and outside for some photo opportunities as well.

We’ve been past this place numerous times but was always in a rush and often just a quick stop to the gift shop, cafe or toilet break. Made an effort to venture into the museum and it was simply an eye opener. Lots of history of the different wars that took place including some original items during that era. Great place for the kids as well to soak in all the knowledge and nothing gruesome so perfect for all ages. Lots of parking available at the rear and some at the front. Cool little gift shop and a very well equipped cafe for a quick feed and drink. There are display of tanks etc outside where the kids can climb and take pics.

Bought a smelly balls from here. It is a very nice and well-kept place to learn about New Zealand’s soldiers and history. The displays are easy to follow and show real stories, medals, and uniforms. The memorial wall is touching and makes you stop and think. There is also a café and a shop inside, which is handy if you are on a long drive. The place feels peaceful and respectful, and it is good for families, kids, and visitors of all ages. A great stop if you are passing through Waiouru.

Love this place, stope here on the way back to Wellington every couple of months. Love the history of NZ's military. Well laid out, lots of interesting things to see. Great area for the kids to dress up and play. Cafe is great and its a great stop traveling north or south. Staff are great and the tickets are reasonably priced.

Amazing history with beautiful and compelling displays. Second time visitor (first time was early 2000s, has been upgraded since then). Busy cafe, nice little gift shop, and facilities are clean.

A fantastic place to learn about New Zealand's military history, from its early days as a colonial outpost right up to present-day conflicts. ​Inside, you'll find impressive dioramas and a great collection of military hardware. Don't forget to take a walk around the grounds outside, where you can see some of the larger tanks on display. ​When you're ready for a break, the cafe offers a delicious selection of baked goods, and the gift shop has some excellent souvenirs to remember your visit by. Overall, it's a great place to visit. History buffs (like myself) could easily spend the entire day here, getting lost in the detailed accounts.

Came here for dinner on a Sunday night. We had the Lamb rump and the Pan fried Salmon. Both meals were very good. Service from the 2 ladies was friendly and attentive. Quite a large establishment with 2 fireplaces and lots of seating. Would come again.

Great atmosphere for a family dinner, especially the toy area which kept our boy occupied for a long time. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. Although the menu had a great selection, the prices did not reflect the portion sizes we were expecting and didn't live up to their descriptions.

Great food ,great friendly service. Meals were very nice from our starters through to dessert. No long wait times. Meals nicely presented and good size portions. Restaurant clean and tidy. Overall a great night out

Had a fabulous dinner here with the family (four adults and one 2yr old). All our meals looked and tasted amazing (I had the venison and my partner had the brisket and both were really good). Really loved the children's play area and we were fortunate enough to get a table right next to this space so could enjoy our time together while keeping an eye on my son who bee lined straight for the play area. All the staff were exceptionally friendly and the ambiance of the venue is really pretty. Will definitely be back next time we stay in Ohakune.

Really great place to bring the kids (games on the deck and a playroom with lots of toys), the food is delicious and have yummy local craft beer on tap. Beautiful open fire and a lovely ambiance. Thankyou so much for the delightful dinner we will be back!

Had a lovely time at the Cyprus Tree this evening. The staff were wonderful and friendly and the food was simply to die for. The pork belly was deliciously juicy and crispy, I simply cannot recommend enough.

Amazing all round. Fantastic friendly service and even better food. Raw fish small plate was great, the pork belly and salmon mains were even better and a fantastic size.

A good place to have a drink especially after a long walk in the mountain on a cold day. The pub is warm and inviting with that classic pub feel. Great views of the snow capped mountain if you sit by the window. What draws your eye when you enter the pub is the huge fireplace and the crackling sound of the burning wood. Sat beside the fire while having a drink and was feeling warm and toasty in minutes. Reasonably priced drinks and a good selection to choose from.

Not a bad place. A little more reasonable than the Chateau's restaurants. Cute place. You walk in and there is a fireplace with a couple tables and comfy couches. Board games and other games to play. Billiards tables. We ordered the Dubai Nights and chicken wings. A bit expensive, but we are out in the middle between towns. It is what it is. Dubai Nights was okay, they tabbouli was a bit different than what we're used to. There was not enough hummus at all. More tzatziki. No beef kebabs on the platter. So I guess we got cheated on that one. There were two chicken skewers and three lamb koftas. The pita was nice and hot. The wings were alright, crispiness was saturated by the sauce which turned them soggy. Maybe a drizzle with sauce on the side would have worked. It was not bad, just not a lot. Half the amount expected. It was quite dark/ dim in the place.

Great service and great food. Nice place to chill and mix with tourist and locals #goodwork

Alcoholic drinks were fairly reasonably priced, however a 330ml can of Fanta was $6. We enjoyed playing air hockey but the place didn't grab us and we elected to eat dinner elsewhere.

We went across from the Chateau and had a great time. It was pretty busy with a crowd in for the rugby but our group of 10 was easily seated. Food choices were limited for the vegetarians but everything was really tasty with impressive portion sizes. I have to say the staff were amazing. With 1 person front of house she was attentive and welcoming to customers, kept the queue down at the bar, kept the tables cleared and delivered food. All with a smile. Much higher standard of service than the chateau across the road.

The other weekend my partner and two children went to the Tussock Bar for dinner. I’d definitely recommend it! The service was awesome, the guy that served us was really friendly and nothing was a problem. Very easy to chat to. The food was great too, for us and the kids. Plus it looked the the chef cared and took pride in what he did. It wasn’t just another bowl of fries, but a well seasoned, crispy, yum, big bowl of fries! And so was the rest of the food. Perfect for families and to take a step away from the chateau. Easy stroll down the road.

This is a fairly stock standard Bar and Bistro. Lots of fried foods Plus pizza. Nothing out of the ordinary but when you are hungry and need a drink this is as good a place as any. The prices were reasonable given its remoteness and locality. But the portions are generous and the food is tasty. There is ample parking either on the streets or in the car park next door. During peak season, the parking can get a bit scarce. The place is kid friendly and there is a kids menu. This eatery is located centrally within the village and so its walking distance to all the accommodation.

I am not a skier but members of my family are, Turoa can be a bit of a lottery according to them; sometimes there is snow, sometimes not and sometimes it can be quite icy. The general facilities are nothing special but not bad either with relatively simple cafeteria food at the base of the slopes. The slopes themselves, when the snowfall is decent allow for decent skiing.

We went here July 12 and they were close. We were still able to play with the snow! thank you for the free experience.❤️ We will definitely go back here

Not the best weather today but kids still had fun on the sleds, big thanks Herne (from Taranaki) for your excellent service at the sledding slope.

Amazing experience as a first timer! Cafes and facilities are great.

Beautiful place to visit with family especially during the winter snow season

A huge disappointment. We usually visit Whakapapa but decided to try Turoa this time, and the sledding was a letdown. The slope was too shallow, so you kept getting stuck, and there was no magic carpet (the conveyor belt lift) to take you back, so you had to walk the entire way, dragging the sled each time.

Had a lovely meal upstairs at Freddie’s cafe the other day. Took my young children skiing up the lifts and they’ve done a fantastic job pushing the snow to form tracks. A shame the weather isn’t playing ball but we had a great time regardless.

**Mount Ruapehu and Sky Waka: A Journey Above the Clouds** Mount Ruapehu, located in Tongariro National Park, is one of New Zealand’s most awe-inspiring natural landmarks. As the country’s largest active volcano, it offers visitors a unique blend of adventure, scenic beauty, and cultural significance. One of the best ways to experience this majestic peak is through the Sky Waka gondola, a world-class attraction that provides a breathtaking journey above the rugged alpine terrain. The Sky Waka, operating year-round, ascends high above the volcanic slopes, offering panoramic views of cascading waterfalls, ancient lava flows, and the sweeping expanse of Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The gondola’s large, comfortable cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows make it easy to immerse yourself in the surrounding beauty, no matter the season. In winter, the gondola transports visitors to Whakapapa Ski Area, New Zealand’s premier skiing destination, while in summer, it provides access to hiking trails and the chance to explore the mountain’s unique volcanic features. At the summit, visitors can enjoy a meal or hot drink at the Knoll Ridge Chalet, one of the highest cafes in the country, while taking in the dramatic alpine views. Adding to the experience, the staff at Mount Ruapehu and Sky Waka are known for their warmth and hospitality. They ensure a seamless and enjoyable adventure, sharing insights about the mountain’s geology, Māori cultural heritage, and outdoor activities. Whether you’re a nature lover, thrill-seeker, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, Mount Ruapehu and the Sky Waka gondola offer an unforgettable journey into the heart of New Zealand’s volcanic wonderland.

First climb Mt Ruapehu (2797 m) in winter, from the southern side (Toroa Ski Field). It was harder than I thought. The last 600 m is very steep, and the average slope angle is larger than 40 degrees. You must be fully equipped. When taking photos, you should be very careful as nowhere is flat (you must stick your ice axe deeply into snow and ice, use it as a post to stop your feet sliding). Unfortunately, I lost my phone near the peak somewhere.

The highest mountain on north island in NZ. Definitely a must visit as it is the spot for mort tourists. It's about 5 hours drive from Auckland. Make sure to travel on a sunny day to get the best views at the Peak. We visited the skiing section of the mountain. There are charges if you would like to go higher up the mountain for skiing or site seeing.

Even out of season it is worth going up the mountain for the views. I was in luck in that there had been an early snow storm the previous week, so even though it is May, and everything is shut up the mountain (Sky-Waka Gondola was shut on 26th April, to re-open Kings Birthday - maintenance etc - would have loved to of gone up), there was fresh snow up at the base, so my daughter who had not been to snow for 13 years could enjoy the experience. In season parking can be hard to find (have been up other times), and if conditions are bad it is 4x4 or with chains - or of course it can even be closed. Road conditions are posted on-line on the websites, and on Met Service - weather, when clicking on mountains, and Whakapapa Ski Field - it shows mountain conditions, road conditions etc. Useful to check, as the road had been closed just days before I went up. In season there is skiing of course, food and other services. Enjoy.

Worth the trip up to Whakapapa ski field for the views alone, some great walks along the way. Halfway between the village and ski field there is a large vehicle pull over area you ca get some great pics.

You will fall in love with this place...just amazing views 😍 ❤️ ♥️ ✨️

Visited long back- when was not even active in Google reviews. Found pics on a old harddrive- so here it is. had the opportunity to hike to the summit of Mount Ruapehu. The hike was challenging, but the views from the top were absolutely worth it. I could see for miles in all directions, and the scenery was simply breathtaking. also had the chance to go skiing at Mount Ruapehu. The ski fields are top-notch, and there is something for everyone, from beginners to experts. The views from the ski slopes are just as amazing as the views from the summit. Here are some additional tips for visiting Mount Ruapehu: Be sure to check the weather conditions before you go. Dress warmly. Bring plenty of food and water. Be aware of your surroundings. Respect the natural environment.

This is one of my favourite spots on the North Island. The drive to get there is easily my preferred way to access the top of Ruapehu over the common other route. The drive here is full of beautiful forest sites and it gets slightly uphill as you get nearer. The falls themselves are magical and quite tall, and the walk there is barely five minutes that anyone could actually do it. This was the site of Gollum’s pool on The Two Towers. Overall, a must visit spot if you are heading up to Turoa.

A brief five-minute walk provides access to observe the vibrant waterfalls and their crystal-clear waters.

Awesome today. Beautiful icicles. Only 2 minutes walk off Turoa Skifield road. See pics

Very short walk to a high waterfall dropping over a lava flow with Ruapehu in the background. Not a lot of water in a dry March but it would be magnificent with the snow melting.

Stunning Spot made even more special by the location being a LOTR filming location.

What a beautiful place, thankfully easily accessible for those who can't manage tramping up hills. We were lucky to be the only ones there for 5 minutes 😀. We travelled further Up to the ski area but visibility was zero 😂 not sure why google is asking whether to buy tickets as it's free to view.

Beautiful long waterfall and pool with Mt Ruapehu as a stunning backdrop. Unfortunately there didn’t appear to be ready access to the pool itself and Andy Serkis wasn’t anywhere to be seen…

Good stopping point to break a trip, Plenty of parking. No toilets.

If you like interesting structures in beautiful landscapes this bridge is worth the stop. Easy to access straight off state Highway 4 with lots of parking. There is good information signs and just a nice place to stop on a long trip. No other facilities on this site.

Easy stop right off the highway to look at this old rail bridge. Carpark needs some work.

The Makatote Viaduct is a fantastic structure. It was built between 1905-08 and was the tallest railway viaduct in New Zealand at the time. Now it’s the third tallest. It’s an amazing feat of engineering and well worth a quick stop. You can’t miss this striking railway viaduct as the road runs by the side of the valley and under the bridge. It’s also a great place to learn about its history.

Built with skill & design flare. It has both function and class. Not like modern bridges. The story of its construction is well worth considering, and the fact that it is still functional today is a testament to the determination of those involved in its construction. I recommend a short stop to marvel the challenges and resolve that to overcome many obstacles.

Even it's showering, the architecture is stunning. Wide and open view out here. Parking is prohibited. Signboard shows history and basic info.

Has a rest area with a picnic table. Has some spectacular views. Ideals for a quick stop pull over area.

We hiked this track because the crossing was cancelled both days we were in town. But it was a lot of fun, even in the rain. I would recommend going earlier in the day as it gets a bit crowded as the day goes on. We had the lakes to ourselves for 30 min and we started around 7:15am. I would say it’s a moderate to easy track. There is a bathroom on the trail, but I don’t think they had toilet paper so be sure to bring that.

Very nice hike, beautiful surrounding and cool volcanic landscape! Would recommend going early :)

We had planned to complete the Tongariro Alpine crossing but were advised against it due to bad weather conditions on the mountain. Our backup was the return hike to Upper Tama lakes. We started at sunrise and were the only ones there when we arrived, saw no one else on the way up to the upper lake. Much busier on the way back so I recommend getting up early to start with the sun. We encountered heavy winds but conditions were otherwise perfect. Layer appropriately, out of the wind and in direct sun it was hot, but in the shade and when exposed to the wind it was very cold, I wore a balaclava to protect from the worst of the wind.

The scenery of the Lower lake is charming. It is highly recommended to continue walking for another 35 minutes to explore the magnificence of the Upper lake.

Absolutely beautiful. 3-4hr walk from Whakapapa one-way. The walk to Lower Tama is relatively easy, nice gradient, if long in distance. The walk from lower Tama to upper Tama is beautiful, but a lot steeper. Definitely worth it though. Be careful on the loose rocks. There are plenty of steep dropoffs on every side, but the walkable area is quite wide. I don't recommend trying to swim in either lake; it's a very steep descent/ascent that is potentially treacherous, not to mention culturally questionable given the significance of the lakes to local iwi.

Awesome hike, with amazing scenery! Best to walk the track to Taranaki Falls clockwise, much better way to see the falls. Took us 3:30hrs of walk time for the entire 18km. Add another hour on for lunch and general sightseeing. We went in New Years Day and it was still very cold at the top, so pack for all conditions.

Great place to visit the walk to lower Lake is steady and quite easy. The walk upto the upper lake is a bit more challenging but the view is worth it. The walk back down you must take care as very loose gravel and rock so take steady.