Smack in the middle of New Zealand’s North Island, the powerful Huka Falls emerge from one of the country’s largest lakes. Water from the Waikato River squeezes through a narrow ravine in the form of white rapids and icy blue pools.
The volume of water that drops every second upon exiting this ravine is approximately 220,000 liters. To paint a better picture in your head, that would fill up an Olympic-sized pool in just over 11 seconds!
Needless to say, the sheer power of the Huka Falls can be felt almost instantly upon arrival.
For the “full experience,” people flock to a footbridge that sits just overtop the fall’s rushing waters. It appears in the middle of an intricate set of trails that creep beside the Waikato River and pass by steaming hot springs.
Don’t worry, if the bridge is crowded when you visit, there are other spots to catch a glance at the falls. Stopping points line the pathways, offering observation decks and small informational signs. You’ll have plenty of options to watch the water squeeze through a gorge hundreds of meters long.
When you reach the final lookout point, don’t be surprised by the occasional jet boat sneaking up to the final cascade. These are part of tours that run out of Taupo most times of the year.
Excursion | The short ride is an adrenaline-inducing encounter, offering an up close and personal experience with the Huka Falls. The guides also have extensive knowledge of the falls and its history.
If you’re looking to join a jet boat tour, you can check here or here for availability.
The Dangers Of Huka Falls
What makes the Huka Falls so mighty is that the normally calm river narrows drastically and gets shallower upon meeting the gorge. An almost 80-meter change leads to a force that causes a dangerous downrush of flowing water.
You’d think this would scare people off from ever traversing the rapids. This is New Zealand we’re talking about though, home to the adventure capital of the world! So, despite their peril, Huka Falls has been kayaked before. The first recorded success came in 1981, with many more thereafter.
While some stories are happy, others are less so.
Accidents and worse have occurred in these waters. Deaths are not uncommon. However the the most notable and controversial was when a cricket umpire’s body was found with ankles and wrists bound.
But as long as you are cautious, the Huka Falls are a great place to appreciate the strength nature has to offer.
Fun Fact | Huka in Māori means foam. I find it a fitting name after looking at the white rapids.
How to get to Huka Falls?
If you’re driving, Huka Falls (maps) is quite easy to get to. From Taupo, you head north along Wairakei Dr until you see the turnoff for Huka Falls Rd. The road will eventually lead you to a parking area near the Huka Falls Bridge.
You can also walk from Taupo’s town center to the falls. You can either follow the same roads you would in a car or take an alternative route from Spa Rd along the Rotary Ride and Waikato River Track. This is the route I’d suggest, as it leads through some beautiful nature until it reaches the trekking paths near the falls.
Afterward | You can keep following the Waikato River north along the Aratiatia Rapids tracks if you want some further hiking.
HERE’S SOME MORE AWESOME PLACES TO VISIT IN NEW ZEALAND:
