One of nature’s most magnificent vistas is Huka Falls in Taupo, New Zealand. Just a few minutes off the Thermal Explorer Highway heading south into Taupo, this would have to be one of the most popular places in Taupo for visitors. Whether you have a car, ride a boat or walk, the way to get to Huka Falls has never been easier.
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If you are travelling around New Zealand, the best way is by car. Not only do you get to see more but you will find more hidden gems that the average traveller doesn’t see.
Need a Car?
If you want to book a car, you can try using one of these car rental websites, EconomyBookings.com, DiscoverCars, Expedia or RentalCars.
Need Accommodation?
Try using these accommodation websites to find a comfortable place to sleep after your day exploring, Booking.com, Agoda and Expedia.
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Get to Huka Falls by Driving
The quickest and most efficient way to get to Huka Falls is by car. Just a few steps from the car park you are crossing over the bridge, seeing the vast volume of water rushing underneath your feet toward the drop of 11 metres not that far away. The force of the water is from the Waikato River. The Waikato River meanders down from Lake Taupo, going from about 100m across to 15m at its narrowest point. It then erupts into the open again to begin its journey north.
As you make your way along the path, it’s only about 20m to another lookout over the raging waters below. Another few metres along, you get your first glimpse of the falls, thundering 11m over into the white foam below. From here, there is another lookout just a few metres along the path before it continues up to Aratiatia Rapids another 2 hours downriver.
An alternative lookout is on the other side of the river. Take the path from the car park to the Craters of the Moon. This one is about 200m down a path but the lookout, in my opinion, is better than the other side. You can see the falls more clearly instead of being on top of them, as you can see from the photo below and it is less crowded.
You can carry on along this path to The Hub Café or, before then, take another track along the Waikato to the Red Bridge. You can either carry on up to the Aratiatia Rapids from the bridge or go back to Huka Falls.
Get to Huka Falls by Walking
Alternatively, you can walk from Spa Thermal Park, taking County Avenue off Spa Road to the car park. From here, you can soak away your aches and pains in Otumuheke Stream, where the hot water from the stream mixes with the Waikato River.
Of course, it’s a long way to get to Huka Falls as it’s about a 2-hour return walk with views across the Waikato River or an extra 4 hours return but is the most beautiful and tranquil. You can add on the Aratiatia Rapids track from Huka Falls.
Get to Huka Falls On the Water
Another way to get to Huka Falls is by boat. You have the option of fast and furious and slow and sedate.
I have done the Huka Falls Cruise but not the Huka Falls Jet, but I have seen them both at the Falls and whichever one (or both) you choose, it will be worth it.
You can read more on boat trips on the Waikato River on my blog, 5 Cruises on Lake Taupo and the Waikato River, here.
Whichever way you choose to get to Huka Falls, you won’t be disappointed by what you see. It’s no wonder that it is the most-visited natural attraction visited in New Zealand.
Where I Stayed
I stayed in the Taupo Youth Hostel, Finlay Jacks. Not only do you have free street parking, but the hostel is set up in a U-shape with a fantastic courtyard in the middle. Here you can talk with your fellow travellers on what’s best to see and do.
In the evening, take a stroll down to the lakeside and see the sunset over Lake Taupo. It’s one of the must-dos in Taupo.
Facilities
- Free Wifi
- Free Parking
- Outdoor area with BBQ
- Fully equipped kitchen (with food storage area), Communal Dining and Lounge Room with Netflix
- Recycling Stations
- Laundry Facilities
- Book Exchange
- 24-Hour Guest Access
- Travel/Activity Bookings
- Bicycle Hire
- Luggage Storage options
- After-hours Check-in on Request
- Hair Dryers
- Towel Hire
- Bicycle Hire
How To Get Here
Finlay Jack’s is at 20 Taniwha Street, a short stroll down to the shops and Lake of Taupo.
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Links
If you’d like to read more of my blogs on Australia, you can find them on the following links; Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Camping and Silo Art, or if you’re after New Zealand, the United Kingdom or Photography, you can click on their links.
Travel Resources
- Flights, Accommodation & Car Hire – You can search for the cheapest flights and accommodation using Booking.com, Skyscanner, Hopper and WayAway, which has 5% cashback.
- Car Hire – Take to the open road with great deals from EconomyBookings.com, RentalCars.com and DiscoverCars.
- Train & Bus Tickets UK & Europe – Use Trainline to plan and book your rail and train travel in the UK and Europe.
- Travel Insurance – is your number one thing to pack when you’re travelling. Cover-More Australia, Cover-More New Zealand, EKTA, Travel Insurance Master and Insubuy are invaluable in keeping you insured during your travels.
- Attractions – buy before you leave home with these great sites, Big Bus Tour, Get Your Guide, GoCity and Viator.
- House Sitting – is a great way to save on accommodation and Trusted Housesitters has house sits all around the world for you to try.
- Photo Editing – is a great way to bring your photos to life and you can try Luminar Neo, which I use.
- Visa Applications – apply online for your visa requirements with iVisa.
- Sim cards – Try Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving travellers access to eSIMs (digital SIM cards).
If you want more tips, try my Travel Links and Resource page.
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Enjoyed reading your blog the photos are just beautiful makes me wish I was there with you