Travel Monkee

From Spa park to Huka Falls

Huka Falls Walkway

Time: 2 hours return via the same track.

This walk is a pleasant and undemanding walk the track is well maintained. Turn right off Tongariro Street into Spa Road at the northern end of Taupo, then left into County Avenue and drive into Spa Thermal Park. Following the signs, walk for five minutes across the park to the Waikato River.

At the start of the walkway, a bridge crosses a natural hot stream. The well-defined track winds along the riverbank and offers lovely views on the way. The walk finishes at the spectacular Huka Falls, where the Waikato River is confined to a deep rock channel. The river emerges with a rush at the northern end to form the falls.

This a fantastic walk for the whole family, with the reward of a hot swim at the return in the river.

This walk can be linked with the Aratiatia Rapids Walk.

The Mighty Huka Falls

Time: 4 hours return via the same track

This walk can be accessed from either the Huka Falls track or drive to the Huka Falls Road and follow the signs to Huka Falls. You will find a refreshment kiosk and pay toilets are located in the car park.

The track begins across the bridge. Head left to the last viewing area over Huka Falls. At the back of the viewing area the track climbs onto the cliff tops with magnificent views of the river. It then gradually descends and continues along the river to the Aratiatia hydro dam and rapids. Try to finish the walk when the control gates are due to open (see note below). Return via this route or arrange transport from Aratiatia.

The spillway at the Aratiatia dam is opened daily at 10:00 am, 12:00 noon, 2:00 pm (winter and summer) and also 4:00 pm in summer to recreate these rapids, showing how they were before the hydro scheme harnessed the head.