Spa Park to Huka Falls Walk: Taupō's Easy Riverside Walk

Overview

The Spa Park to Huka Falls Walk is the easy way to reach Huka Falls from Taupō on foot. The track follows the banks of the Waikato River for 3 km one way (about 1 hr 30 min) to the falls, where the river squeezes through a narrow gorge.

It's a short, easy walk that's great for kids, and unusually for a DOC walk, dogs are allowed if they're kept under control.

The walk

• From the Spa Thermal Park car park, walk 5 minutes down to the river and cross the Otumuheke Stream, a naturally hot stream that flows into the Waikato.
• The well-defined track then follows the riverbank to Huka Falls, with river views along the way.
• Return the same way, or arrange a pickup at the Huka Falls car park.
• Keep going: Continue from Huka Falls along the Aratiatia Rapids Track for a longer walk.

This track is for walkers only. Mountain bikers can use the Rotary Ride to reach Huka Falls from Spa Park.

Getting there

At the northern end of Taupō, turn right off Tongariro Street into Spa Road, then left into County Avenue, and drive into Spa Thermal Park.

Huka Falls car park hours: It's locked overnight from 5.30pm to 8.30am, and a $30 release fee applies if your car is locked in.

Safety

• Parts of the track run beside a cliff edge. Stay on the formed track and supervise children at all times.
• The Waikato River is deep and fast. Take great care if you swim.

Good to know

Dogs are allowed under control. The Huka Falls car park is locked at 5.30pm, so plan to be back in time.