Huka Falls: Travel Guide
Here is a travel guide on Huka Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in New Zealand near Lake Taupo. This post includes information on how to get to Huka Falls, the best things to do nearby, how much things cost, and tips on where to stay.
We love waterfalls, so you can imagine how we felt when we visited the famous Huka Falls near Lake Taupo for the first time.
With crystal clear water from Waikato River, turquoise pools at the base of waterfalls, gigantic flow, and raw power of nature, Huka Falls is a must-visit place on your road-trip around New Zealand's North Island.
In other words, Huka Falls are amazing, easily accessible waterfalls and one of the best attractions in New Zealand.
You have several options on how to get to the falls, so everyone, both active travelers and even those who do not want to walk that much or do not have that much time will for sure be able to put this place on a New Zealand itinerary.
On top of that, you can enjoy this place for free, which is good news, especially when traveling around quite an expensive country.
In this travel guide, we will have a closer look at Huka Falls, and share with you helpful information on how to get there, why to visit and what to expect.
HUKA FALLS
Absolutely exceptional place on the long Waikato River only 10 minutes drive by car from the town of Taupo, Huka Falls, is for sure one of the best New Zealand attractions you shouldn't miss.
Normally, Waikato River is up to 100 meters wide and 4 meters deep, but at one point the distance between the banks narrows down to only 15 meters wide, and creates a stunning spectacle, as the flow becomes stronger and more furious with each meter.
According to the information board, which you will find on the spot, roughly 200 000 liters of water flow every second over the nine meters high drop and then plunges with all its might into a boiling pool at the bottom.
The flow and current of the falls are incredibly strong and prevent fishes such as eels and trouts to migrate upstream. When you read about the numbers and statistics, you have only words of respect for the waterfalls, but not until you stand on the viewing platform and see this incredible show with your own eyes.
Only then you can fully understand how nature is incredible when the mass of water flows every second just a few meters away from you. Yes, although photos from this place are often out of this world, only when standing on the edge of a rock above the gorge, you will appreciate the unnatural power of the falls.
And by the way, Waikato River produces 15% of New Zealand's total power.
As you get closer with every step you take to this natural wonder, you are going to hear the deafening sound of the falls as they crash through the narrow canyon. And then, you will see them. Not the highest or most spectacular - do not expect Iguazu Falls - yet the immense power will take your breath away.
The turquoise color of the river is incredible, one of the most beautiful mixes of green and blue we've ever seen when it comes to waterfalls and rivers.
Another fascinating fact is that a big hydro plant controls the flow of the river, which means that Huka Falls's appearance changes every day as the height plummets between 7-11 meters. When the demand for electricity is higher, the technicians at power plant raise the flow of the river.
This usually happens during the day, and at night the flow is reduced again, as we don't need that much energy.
HOW TO GET TO HUKA FALLS
Huka Falls is easily accessible by car and on foot - we will talk about it in the next paragraph.
Most people prefer driving from Taupo to the parking lot via Huka Falls road and make a quick stop at the falls. A short walk from the conveniently located parking lot to the best lookout takes approximately 5 minutes on a flat and well-maintained trail.
The parking lot is pretty big, and visitors usually spend just a short time at the falls, so it shouldn't be difficult to find a spot even in high season.
We highly reccomend you to rent a car for getting around New Zealand.
TAUPO SPA PARK TO HUKA FALLS TRAIL
If you decide to stay in Taupo, you might consider walking from the town to Huka Falls along the Waikato River via the scenic trail.
This is a lovely walk, seven kilometers long (total) that you can connect with Craters of the Moon area, although you have to walk the same way back (or arrange transport).
You will find the trailhead at the Spa Thermal Park parking lot. Then follow the signs downhill to a narrow bridge that marks a lovely spot called Otumuheke Stream, conjunction of a cold Waikato River and a thermal hot stream.
This is a perfect place for having a bath, and you will probably meet other visitors here. It's a better idea to wait and enjoy the activity on your way back.
Just before you reach Huka Falls, another bridge connects the trail with the parking lot, but you should stay on the trail where you will find two lookouts.
There is another viewpoint on the opposite side of the river, so if you still have some energy left, you can visit that one as well (via the bridge).
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
JET BOAT
Are you looking for the best things to do near Huka Falls except for hiking? Well, here you go.
The name Huka has Maori origin and means foam in their language, and if you have an adventurous soul (and budget), book a Huka Falls jet to get closer.
Getting as close as possible is the only way to fully understand how Maori, the first people who paddled along the river, perceived the force and beauty of the falls.
ENTRANCE FEE
There is no entrance fee to Huka Falls, only a small donation box at the entrance.
That's great for travelers with a limited budget, who can enjoy this stunning attraction without breaking a bank.
Obviously, water activities, such as jet boating, are not for free, and you have to pay for them.
WHEN TO VISIT HUKA FALLS
Huka Falls is the most visited place on North Island (to be honest, this information took us by surprise), and the place gets really crowded, so here are a few tips to enjoy the place as much as you can.
We would suggest you get up early and try to arrive there before the bus tours start coming. But we all know that this is more easily said than done as everything usually doesn't go according to a plan on a road trip.
So here is the next advice. Don't expect to have the waterfalls just for yourself, and you'll have a great time. Sometimes it's just about the attitude. Soon as we know, that we will visit a popular tourist place, we brace ourselves, and try to enjoy the place regardless of the number of people around us.
Tourists arriving with the bus tours visit the Huka Falls from the parking lot, so you can walk there from Taupo directly, and enjoy the beautiful scenery in a more relaxed way.
And the last advice is, that you can visit Huka Falls all year round, and you won't see that many people there in the low season.
Unlike many other waterfalls you won't need a rain poncho (bring waterproof jacket only if it's raining) to enjoy the beauty of the waterfalls, but you should bring your camera!
WHERE TO STAY
Huka Falls is an attraction very close to the town of Taupo, so you can stay in this lovely town on the shores of the same name lake.
Taupo has a great selection of hotels, motels, and camps, and you shouldn't have a problem to find a room.
Here is the list of the best hotel in Taupo.
Budget | Rainbow Lodge Backpackers - Rainbow Lodge is a great choice for backpackers who don't want to break the bank for accommodation. This cozy hostel features free WiFi, barbecue facilities, sauna, and free shuttle from the bus station. It has an excellent location close to the city center (including the lake) and the Waikato River, and you can arrange at the desk a shuttle for Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
Mid-range | Ashbrook Motel - Wonderful motel that features cozy rooms, free private parking for the guests, garden views and excellent location. Heat pumps and electric blankets ensure that your stay at the room is enjoyable when it is cold outside.
Luxury | Hilton Lake Taupo - Quiet location only a few minutes drive from the town center, spotlessly clean rooms with private balconies, comfortable beds, heated outdoor pool, on-site restaurant, and attentive staff, Hilton Lake Taupo surely knows how to take care of guests.
Camping | Taupo TOP 10 Holiday Park - You can't go wrong with TOP 10 Holiday Parks when traveling around New Zealand, and this one is no exception. Taupo Holiday Park has a quiet location, spacious camping sites (tents, campervans, and RVs), motel rooms, and cozy cabins. Basically, everything you would expect from a proper Holiday Park.
Freedom Camping | We stayed at Hipapatua - Reid's Farm (a little away out of the town), which is a perfect spot for freedom camping, when on budget, but there are two things you should know before camping there. First, it can be very crowded, so don't expect to be there alone. That leads us directly to the second point, facilities are basic, rubbish bins are packed, sometimes toilets are not very clean, etc. It's a lovely spot, but very basic.
WHERE TO GO NEXT
Just opposite of Huka Falls, you will find another amazing place worth visiting, the steaming Craters of the Moon.
Drive an hour north, and you will arrive in Rotorua, famous for geysers, mud volcanoes, hot springs, and mud pools. We've covered in this article the Best Things to Do in Rotorua, so feel free to get inspired by our journey
If you are traveling south, don't miss Tongariro National Park, home to one of the best day hikes in New Zealand, Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This one day hike is a part of the Tongariro Northern Circuit, which we would recommend you to hike if you have 3-4 extra days to spare.
When traveling west from Taupo, don't forget to include stunning Waitomo Glowworm Caves on your itinerary.
Head southeast direction and you will arrive in another New Zealand’s gem, art deco town of Napier, and Cape Kidnappers with gannet colony.
As you can see, you are for sure not short on options!
Make sure you also check out 1-Week North Island Travel Itinerary and if you want to continue to the other island read this post 1-Week South Island Travel Itinerary.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
