Tupapakurua Falls Track Hiking Trail

Walk to a lookout point with views of Mt Taranaki and Mt Ruapehu, then on to the remote Tupapakurua Falls. The track begins with an easy 20 minute walk to the Taranaki Lookout with a view towards Mt Taranaki, and views back to Mt Ruapehu and Hauhungatahi. From this point the track becomes more rugged, suitable for more experienced walkers. The track follows a ridge and then descends steeply about 230 m down to a stream. Conditions can be slippery / muddy following rain. Tupapakurua Falls plummet to the valley floor in splendid isolation, amidst regenerating podocarp forest. There is a wonderful diversity of plant and tree species with good stands of tawa, mature rimu, miro and totara. Climbing back up from the stream, the track winds its way around bluffs with beautiful forest views and good lookout points to the waterfalls. Return via the same track. This old Forest Service track was upgraded by the local community in partnership with DOC, adding a wonderful forest walk to the region. DOC maintains the track to the lookout but not to the falls.