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Tongariro National Park, Ohakune Mountain Road
300 metres
12 minutes
10 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you are looking for that "maximum reward for minimum effort" kind of adventure, look no further than the Mangawhero Falls Walk. Nestled within the dramatic landscapes of Tongariro National Park, this short stroll is a quintessential New Zealand experience. Whether you’re a local popping up the mountain for a quick breath of fresh air or a tourist ticking off the North Island’s most iconic sights, these falls are an absolute must-see.
In just a few minutes of walking, you transition from the comfort of your car into a rugged, alpine world that feels miles away from civilization. The trail is short, but the atmosphere is immense. It’s the kind of place where the air feels a little crisper, the silence a little deeper, and the views significantly more epic than a 0.3km track has any right to be.
The Mangawhero Falls Walk might only be 300 metres long, but don't let the short distance fool you—it packs a serious punch. The journey begins at a well-marked car park about 16 kilometres up the Ohakune Mountain Road. As soon as you step onto the track, you’ll notice the shift in the environment. You are standing just below the bushline, and the vegetation here tells a story of survival.
The track meanders through a distinctive, stunted beech forest. These trees have been shaped by decades of harsh alpine winds and heavy winter snowfalls, resulting in gnarled, moss-covered branches that look like something straight out of a fairytale. The terrain is mostly flat and very easy to navigate, though it does feature some natural undulations. You’ll find a few steps and some sections where the path weaves around boulders and ancient tree roots. Because of this natural texture, the walk isn't suitable for buggies or wheelchairs, but it is an absolute playground for children who love to explore.
As you walk, the sound of the Mangawhero River begins to grow from a gentle murmur to a powerful roar. The path leads you safely to a sturdy viewing platform that juts out, offering an unobstructed view of the main event. The transition from the quiet, sheltered forest to the wide-open expanse of the volcanic valley is nothing short of breathtaking.
The undisputed star of the show is, of course, the Mangawhero Falls. This is a magnificent 28-metre plunge waterfall that drops vertically over a massive crescent of ancient volcanic rock. The rock itself is a dark, dramatic basalt, formed by the cooling lava flows of Mount Ruapehu thousands of years ago. Seeing the white water cascade against the dark, moody stone is a photographer’s dream.
A well-signposted car park is available directly off Ohakune Mountain Road, approximately 16 km from Ohakune. There are no facilities (toilets, shops) at the car park.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Rhipidura fuliginosa
In Māori mythology, the pīwakawaka is considered a messenger, sometimes bringing news of death.
Best time: Year-round
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
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Out and back
If you’re a film buff, you might find the scenery strangely familiar. The falls achieved international fame as the filming location for the 'Forbidden Pool' in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. This is the exact spot where Gollum was seen catching a fish before being captured by Faramir’s rangers. Standing on the platform, it’s easy to see why Peter Jackson chose this location; it possesses a raw, prehistoric energy that feels entirely otherworldly.
On a clear day, the highlights don't stop at the water. Looking up and beyond the falls, you can often catch spectacular views of the summit of Mount Ruapehu. As New Zealand’s largest active volcano, its snow-capped peaks provide a staggering backdrop to the falls, reminding you exactly where you are—right in the heart of a volcanic wonderland.
To find this hidden gem, head to the mountain town of Ohakune. From the centre of town, turn onto the Ohakune Mountain Road (the road that leads up to the Tūroa skifield). It’s a scenic drive that climbs steadily through changing forest types, moving from lush lowland podocarps to the hardy alpine beech you'll find at the trailhead.
The car park for the Mangawhero Falls Walk is located approximately 16 kilometres up the road. It is well-signposted on the left-hand side as you head up. The drive takes about 15 to 20 minutes from Ohakune.
A quick pro-tip: There are no toilet facilities or shops at the trailhead or the car park. Make sure you use the public facilities in Ohakune or at the base of the mountain road before you start your ascent. Parking is free, but during the peak winter ski season, the road can be very busy, so aim to arrive early or late in the afternoon to secure a spot.
While the waterfall is the main attraction, the surrounding forest is a sanctuary for some of New Zealand’s most beloved birdlife. Because the walk is so short and relatively quiet, the birds are often quite bold.
Keep your eyes peeled for the New Zealand Fantail (Pīwakawaka). These tiny, restless birds are famous for following hikers along the trail, flitting between branches to catch the insects stirred up by your footsteps. You’ll likely hear the melodic, bell-like call of the Tūī or the Bellbird (Korimako) echoing through the beech trees, even if they remain hidden in the canopy.
If you are particularly lucky and quiet, you might spot a North Island Tomtit (Miromiro) with its distinctive white breast, or a Kererū (New Zealand Wood Pigeon) perched heavily on a branch. For the truly eagle-eyed, the Whio (Blue Duck) is occasionally seen in the rushing waters of the Mangawhero River. These are rare and precious mountain ducks that thrive in clean, fast-flowing water, so seeing one is a real treat.
The Mangawhero Falls Walk is truly a track for all seasons, with each time of year offering a completely different vibe.
Tongariro National Park is not just a place of natural beauty; it is a place of immense cultural and spiritual significance. It was the first National Park in New Zealand and the fourth in the world. More importantly, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognised for both its outstanding volcanic features and its cultural importance to Māori.
The peaks of the park—Ruapehu, Tongariro, and Ngāuruhoe—were gifted to the people of New Zealand in 1887 by Te Heuheu Tūkino IV, the Paramount Chief of Ngāti Tūwharetoa, to ensure their protection for all time. When you walk these trails, you are walking on land that is deeply sacred (tapu).
The Mangawhero River itself carries the lifeblood of the mountain down to the plains. Its name, which can be translated as "reddish stream," refers to the iron-rich volcanic soil that can sometimes tint the water or the rocks along its path. Understanding this connection between the fire of the volcano and the life of the river adds a whole new layer of appreciation to your walk.
Once you’ve filled your camera roll and breathed in your fill of mountain air, head back down the Ohakune Mountain Road to refuel. Ohakune is famous for its aprés-ski culture, which means there are some fantastic spots for hikers to relax.
For a classic Kiwi experience, you can’t go past Johnny Nation’s Chocolate Shop. They are legendary for their oversized chocolate eclairs—a tradition for anyone visiting the mountain. If you’re after something more substantial, The Blind Finch offers incredible gourmet hamburgers that are perfect after a day of exploring.
If you want to sit by a fire and chat about your photos, The Cyprus Tree is a local favourite with a great atmosphere and a menu designed for hungry adventurers. Whether it’s a craft beer or a hot coffee, Ohakune has the perfect post-hike reward waiting for you.
Petroica macrocephala toitoi
A small, territorial bird with males featuring a distinctive black and white plumage, found throughout the North Island's forests.
Best time: Year-round
Anthornis melanura
Endemic songbird with bell-like calls. Males are olive-green with a purple head sheen; females are browner with a narrow white-yellow stripe across the cheek.
Best time: Year-round
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Hymenolaimus malacorhynchos
Also known as Whio, featured on the NZ $10 note. Found on fast-flowing mountain rivers.
Best time: Year-round