New Zealand · Waikato, North Island
Huka Falls
New Zealand's largest lake, Taupo, drains through a narrow rock channel here at a rate that can exceed 200,000 litres per second, turning a modest 11-metre drop into a genuinely violent, brilliant-turquoise torrent. Jet boats roar right up to the base of the falls as one of the region's signature adrenaline activities.
New Zealand's largest lake, Taupo, drains through a narrow rock channel here at a rate that can exceed 200,000 litres per second, turning a modest 11-metre drop into a genuinely violent, brilliant-turquoise torrent. Jet boats roar right up to the base of the falls as one of the region's signature adrenaline activities.
Huka Falls drops 11 metres (36 ft) across a face roughly 15 metres wide on the Waikato. It is a cataract-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is Taupo, with TUO the closest airport. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy.
Consistent turquoise flow year-round from Lake Taupo, unaffected much by season.
What you can do here
Bungee jumping
Waterfall gorges make the world's most photogenic bungee sites — a bridge, a river, and a few hundred feet of nothing.
Jet boat
Purpose-built shallow-draught boats that run right up into the base spray and spin out of it.
Kayaking
Flatwater above the lip or big water below it — kayaking gets you closer to a waterfall than any walking trail.
Hiking
From ten-minute boardwalks to multi-day approaches through cloud forest.
Photography
Light angles, moonbows, spray management and the hours that actually work.
When to go
Consistent turquoise flow year-round from Lake Taupo, unaffected much by season.
Entry: Free
Getting there
- Base townTaupo
- AirportTUO
- CountryNew Zealand
- RegionWaikato, North Island, Oceania
- AccessEasy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint
On the map
-38.6486, 176.0864
Quick answers
How tall is Huka Falls?
Huka Falls drops 11 metres (36 feet), across a face about 15 metres wide. It is a cataract-type waterfall on the Waikato.
When is the best time to visit Huka Falls?
Peak flow is January to December. Consistent turquoise flow year-round from Lake Taupo, unaffected much by season.
What can you do at Huka Falls?
Beyond the viewpoints: bungee jumping, jet boat, kayaking, hiking and photography. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint.
How do you get to Huka Falls?
The usual base is Taupo, and the closest airport is TUO. A short walk or roadside viewpoint from there. Free.
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