Huka Falls Walkway
Spa Park to Huka Falls
Your Nature Guide
Marios Gavalas
Author And Researcher
Nau mai, haere mai
Nau mai, haere mai
I'm Marios, delivering the best of Aotearoa's nature walks to your device.
I've personally walked hundreds of New Zealand's tracks and spent months in libraries uncovering interesting information on New Zealand/Aotearoa. And you'll find a slice of that research on this page - enjoy!
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Photos
Information
Huka Falls Walkway
6 km return | 1h 45 minutes return
An undulating meander along the banks of New Zealand’s mightiest river - the Waikato. Passing a natural hot spring, spying on New Zealand’s most expensive luxury lodge, and ending at Huka Falls.
Walking Track
Access
From Taupo centre at the roundabout near the Control Gates of the Waikato River, head uphill on Spa Road. After 1.6 km Spa Thermal Park is signposted on the left. Head to the carpark at the road end, where signs with the track layout direct you down to the river.
Track
Pass the footbridge over Otumuheke Stream and the thermal pools - the perfect tonic for the return. Following the banks of the Waikato River, there are lookouts and the odd bench.
The track undulates through pines, and scrub. There are some fine river views on the way to Huka Falls.
Return via the same track.
Geology
Otumuheke Thermal Pools are natural hot springs by the river. Well used, including by Bogans who leave broken glass bottles about - so be careful.
The Waikato River New Zealand’s longest, with a catchment covering 14,260 square km (12% of the area of the North Island). From beginnings on the flanks of the volcanoes, it flows into Lake Taupo, where it’s discharge is controlled by a dam.
The river then cuts through the volcanic plateau, passing through eight hydro electric dams, and onto the lowlands from Cambridge to Mercer.
The river finally flows into the Tasman Sea at Port Waikato after a journey of 425 km from Lake Taupo.
The Waikato River is a tupuna (ancestor), a taonga (treasure), and the mauri (life force) of Tainui Waka and Ngati Tuwharetoa.
Polynesian History
The Waikato River is considered a tupuna (ancestor), a taonga (treasure), and the mauri (life force) of Tainui Waka and Ngati Tuwharetoa.
European History
The Waikato Power Scheme generates 1450 MW of hydroelectric power.
Details
| Feature | Value | Info |
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Organisation |
DOC Central North IslandCentral government organisation |
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Location |
North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Taupo |
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Directions To Coordinates |
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Coordinates |
Cycling
Walking
Nearby
Reviews
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5.0/5
21Sept18.
After a walk around town we decided to walk to the falls from Spa Park. It was a very warm day for spring and we bailed out before getting there. The walk was good and the hot springs were well attended by mostly younger people.
We went to the falls the following day. As good as last time. A sight to see.
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3.5/5
Beautiful arctic blue water!
The hike was less than the 15 minute sign but it is at an incline the way back to parking lot.
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4.0/5
After watching the Huka Falls, walk to Spa Park, really cool spot!
Nice way to walk.
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5.0/5
The amount of water is quite impressive and a little scary :) don't fall in!
It is a little more impressive than the dam rapids, that was good too and both are worth stopping at.
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5.0/5
Close parking space next to the track.
Clean track. Great nature sometimes I think there are not enough trash bins. That is something that you maybe can improve for the future.
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4.5/5
Coolest waterfall I have ever seen.
Thermal baths were pretty nice, walk next to the river was awesome too, because of the clear and colourful water.
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4.0/5
A very nice 1.5 hour walk with an amazing view.
At the end you can jump in the thermal hot pools to rejuvenate.
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4.5/5
Absolutely stunning walk the whole way.
Water is emerald green, hot spring on route to stop off for a dip. Would definitely recommend!
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5.0/5
Fantastic walk along the Waikato River.
The thermal park is 100% worth a swim and the falls are good.
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3.5/5
After a nice bush walk you reach the Huka Falls.
Heading back you can stop at the free thermal pool.
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5.0/5
10May24.
No reviews since mine in 2018?
This time we walked from the Taupo Holiday Resort to the falls. A straightforward walk along the river. The water is so clear.
The falls are very impressive. Toilets there too.
We then walked along to the Hub Cafe, another 1km or so opposite the turn for Craters of the Moon. That was worthwhile too.
A longish walk in all but we were glad we did it.
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3.5/5
Beautiful arctic blue water!
The hike was less than the 15 minute sign but it is at an incline the way back to parking lot.
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4.0/5
After watching the Huka Falls, walk to Spa Park, really cool spot!
Nice way to walk.
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5.0/5
The amount of water is quite impressive and a little scary :) don't fall in!
It is a little more impressive than the dam rapids, that was good too and both are worth stopping at.
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4.5/5
Coolest waterfall I have ever seen.
Thermal baths were pretty nice, walk next to the river was awesome too, because of the clear and colourful water.
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5.0/5
Close parking space next to the track.
Clean track. Great nature sometimes I think there are not enough trash bins. That is something that you maybe can improve for the future.
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4.0/5
A very nice 1.5 hour walk with an amazing view.
At the end you can jump in the thermal hot pools to rejuvenate.
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5.0/5
Fantastic walk along the Waikato River.
The thermal park is 100% worth a swim and the falls are good.
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4.5/5
Absolutely stunning walk the whole way.
Water is emerald green, hot spring on route to stop off for a dip. Would definitely recommend!
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3.5/5
After a nice bush walk you reach the Huka Falls.
Heading back you can stop at the free thermal pool.
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4.0/5
Free hot springs!
Excellent activity, although can imagine it gets busy in peak season, it was perfect in should season.
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3.5/5
Lovely waterfall with viewing bridge.
Good opportunity to take photos. Long, steep walk to the hot springs which were a bit disappointing as they were so crowded.
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4.0/5
Lovely walk with some pretty views.
The hot and cold pools at one end and the Huka Falls at the other end make for an entertaining walk.
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4.5/5
Nice massive falls.
The colour of the water is beautiful. A tip: you should start the dam walk. After 2 minutes you get a nice view of the falls without all the crowds.
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5.0/5
Must do!!!
You can park on one side and see the falls straight away then go for the 1 hour, there's some hot springs at the end! Totally worth it! Otherwise try go from the hot springs side and end at Huka Falls for a bit of excitement!
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4.5/5
Beautiful waterfall and nice easy walk to the waterfall.
Worth a look when in Taupo.
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3.0/5
The walk is a bit long for the end result!
We got to the falls and realised we could have skipped the walk and parked at the falls. The falls are beautiful and good to see, but not so sure about the walk.
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5.0/5
Good hike with hot springs right at the beginning/end, best of all - they are free!
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3.5/5
Nice view when you arrive but not that much during the walk, after walking you can go into the hot springs and have a rest.
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4.0/5
Exceeded expectations!
The waterfall itself was exhilarating while the walk along the river was wonderful. To our surprise at the end of the walk we found natural hot pools.
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3.5/5
You have many ways to get to Huka Falls, walking, biking, or driving your car.
There are too many tourists but there is a perfect look out over the falls.
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