Marios Gavalas
Author And Researcher
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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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.
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.
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.
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.
The Waikato River is considered a tupuna (ancestor), a taonga (treasure), and the mauri (life force) of Tainui Waka and Ngati Tuwharetoa.
The Waikato Power Scheme generates 1450 MW of hydroelectric power.
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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Categories |
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Directions To Coordinates |
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Coordinates |
Feature | Value | Info |
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Track Length |
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Track LengthWhat is the physical length of this track? 3km to 10km |
Track Duration |
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Track DurationHow long does it take to walk this track on average? 1 to 2 hours |
Track Difficulty |
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Track DifficultyConsidering the track's terrain, safety, facilities - how hard is this walk to complete? Easy walk |
Payment Requirement |
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Payment RequirementIs there a cost for this experience or is it free? Free access/participation The experience costs no money to access or take part in. |
Large Vehicle Access |
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Large Vehicle AccessCan large vehicles such as motorhomes, housebuses and caravans gain access? Large vehicle accessible The site is accessible with large vehicles such as motorhomes and 5th wheelers. |
DOC Track Category |
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DOC Track CategoryWhat type of category does this walking track fall into (as defined by the NZ Department of Conservation)? Short walk Easy walking for up to an hour. Track is well formed, with an even surface. There may be steps or slopes. Suitable for people of most abilities and fitness. Stream and rivers crossings are bridged. Walking shoes required. |
Disabled Access |
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Disabled AccessDoes this location provide disabled access? No disabled access This location does not provide access for wheelchairs. |
Crowd Factor |
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Crowd FactorHow crowded is this place usually? Some people This place usually draws a average amount of people. You won’t have difficulties to move along, but you won’t have this place to yourself, either. |
Track Managing Organisation |
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Track Managing OrganisationWhat type of organisation operates this walking track? DOC Managed This track is managed by the Department of Conservation. DOC is a New Zealand government organisation. |
Exceeded expectations!
The walk is a bit long for the end result!
Lake Taupo.
Nice massive falls.
Spectacular, good signage.
Rating | Count | Percentage | |
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10/10 | 42 |
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30% |
9/10 | 33 |
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24% |
8/10 | 38 |
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27% |
7/10 | 20 |
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14% |
6/10 | 6 |
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4% |
5/10 | 0 |
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0% |
4/10 | 0 |
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0% |
3/10 | 0 |
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0% |
2/10 | 0 |
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0% |
1/10 | 0 |
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0% |
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.
Reviewed about 6 years ago
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.
Reviewed over 6 years ago
4.0/5
After watching the Huka Falls, walk to Spa Park, really cool spot!
Nice way to walk.
Reviewed almost 7 years ago
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.
Reviewed about 7 years ago
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.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in February 2017
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.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in January 2017
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.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in December 2016
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!
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in November 2016
5.0/5
Fantastic walk along the Waikato River.
The thermal park is 100% worth a swim and the falls are good.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in November 2016
3.5/5
After a nice bush walk you reach the Huka Falls.
Heading back you can stop at the free thermal pool.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in March 2016
3.0/5
A nice walk at the river but too many fields and too less native bush.
Reviewed about 8 years ago and experienced in January 2016
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.
Reviewed 5 months ago
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.
Reviewed over 6 years ago
4.0/5
After watching the Huka Falls, walk to Spa Park, really cool spot!
Nice way to walk.
Reviewed almost 7 years ago
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.
Reviewed about 7 years ago
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.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in January 2017
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.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in February 2017
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.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in December 2016
5.0/5
Fantastic walk along the Waikato River.
The thermal park is 100% worth a swim and the falls are good.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in November 2016
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!
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in November 2016
3.5/5
After a nice bush walk you reach the Huka Falls.
Heading back you can stop at the free thermal pool.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in March 2016
4.0/5
Free hot springs!
Excellent activity, although can imagine it gets busy in peak season, it was perfect in should season.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in November 2016
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.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in November 2016
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.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in November 2016
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.
Reviewed almost 8 years ago
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!
Reviewed about 8 years ago
4.5/5
Beautiful waterfall and nice easy walk to the waterfall.
Worth a look when in Taupo.
Reviewed about 8 years ago and experienced in January 2016
3.0/5
A nice walk at the river but too many fields and too less native bush.
Reviewed about 8 years ago and experienced in January 2016
3.5/5
Nice to see, big and free park, nice walks around the area.
Reviewed about 8 years ago and experienced in January 2016
3.5/5
Beautiful blue fast water!
First thing we did as a tourist when we arrived.
Reviewed over 8 years ago and experienced in January 2016
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.
Reviewed over 8 years ago
5.0/5
Good hike with hot springs right at the beginning/end, best of all - they are free!
Reviewed over 8 years ago
5.0/5
Huge, massive waterfalls, green-blue ice water and nice trail to Taupo!
Reviewed over 8 years ago
4.5/5
Excellent spot and walkway!
Easy and entertaining walk through the riverside.
Reviewed almost 9 years ago
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.
Reviewed about 10 years ago and experienced in February 2014
4.5/5
First hot water and then swimming in the cold river, amazing!
Reviewed about 10 years ago and experienced in February 2014
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.
Reviewed about 10 years ago and experienced in April 2014
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.
Reviewed over 10 years ago
4.5/5
Lovely waterfall/rapid, really good to hop by if you have some time.
Reviewed over 11 years ago and experienced in December 2012