Mangawhero Falls In Tongariro National Park – Visitor’s Guide

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If you’re a nature lover like myself, waterfalls are probably your thing, and when in New Zealand, one spot not to miss is Mangawhero Falls.

Nestled in New Zealand’s Tongariro National Park, right by Taupo, these falls are famous for their breathtaking views and are a place where you can enjoy a refreshing swim.

Mangawhero Falls is also famous for being a film location in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.

In this guide, I’ll give you all the information you need to know before visiting Mangawhero Falls, and let me tell you, you’re in for a treat!

Mangawhero Falls Comprehensive Visitor Guide 2023

MANGAWHERO FALLS – OVERVIEW

Let’s start this guide with some must-know information, such as the falls’ location, why it’s so famous, and the best time to visit.

WHERE IS MANGAWHERO FALLS?

Mangawhero Falls are situated in the Tongariro National Park, which is located in New Zealand’s North Island, about 2 hours from Taupo, which makes it a great destination for a day trip.

WHY IS MANGAWHERO FALLS FAMOUS?

The falls are famous for their scenic beauty and crystal-clear waters. This place is frequently visited by hikers, tourists, and anyone loving a stunning view of water falling from a cliff edge.

On top of that, Mangawhero Waterfall is famous for being a filming location in the movie The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.

Needless to say, if you’re a fan of the Lord of the Rings, apart from the Hobbiton movie set tour, then you should definitely come here and see it for yourself!

RELATED GUIDE: NORTH ISLAND NEW ZEALAND ITINERARY

HOW TO GET TO MANGAWHERO FALLS?

To get to Mangawhero Falls, you need to take a 40-minute drive from National Park Village down State Highway 4.

From Taupo, it takes about 2 hours to reach the car park, which is reasonable.

If you have more time available, I recommend stopping by the Waitangi Falls Walk Trailhead for a quick visit, as it only takes about 1.5 hours to get to the summit.

Once at the Mangawhero Waterfall car park, follow the sign and start hiking!

MANGAWHERO FALLS TAUPO NEW ZEALAND 1

BEST TIME TO VISIT

You can visit the falls all day and all year long, but I recommend coming in the early morning to do the walk with fewer tourists and enjoy the calmness of the area.

Alternatively, a great time to visit is before sunset.

What better way to see the falls while bathing at the base and with the sun setting in the background?

Also, while it’s nice to come in the summer, visiting the falls in the winter provides a more unique, photogenic opportunity as you’ll have snow surrounding the Mangawhero River – how cool!

ENTRANCE FEE & OPENING TIMES

There is no entry fee to access the falls, and they are open year-round making it possible to visit at any time.

RELATED ARTICLE: TARANAKI FALLS WALK IN TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK

MANGAWHERO FALLS TAUPO NEW ZEALAND

ARRIVING AT MANGAWHERO WATERFALL

Whether you come from Taupo or from Tongariro National Park Village, the first stop on your route will be the car park at the falls.

From here, you’ll have to climb a small, shaded forest for only 5 minutes in order to reach the falls. That’s right, you’ll get there very easily, which is very convenient.

Once at the falls, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the National Park, as well as the rocky stream around.

Truth be told, I didn’t expect the area to be so beautiful, and it was overall a lovely photography spot, so make sure to take your camera!

READ MORE: BEST CAMERA GEAR YOU NEED WHEN TRAVELING

ARRIVING AT MANGAWHERO FALLS FOREST

WHAT TO EXPECT AT MANGAWHERO WATERFALLS

As I set out on the journey from Taupo to Mangawhero Waterfalls, I had no idea what to expect.

When I finally arrived, I was absolutely stunned by the beauty of the area. The waterfalls were magnificent, despite being relatively small, and the surroundings were simply breathtaking.

If you’re looking for a truly amazing natural wonder to visit, then Mangawhero Waterfalls should definitely be on your list!

Apart from that, I recommend taking the time to explore the area.

There’s a nice wooden bench right by the car park where you can take a break from the drive and chill in front of Mount Ruapehu – you can’t miss it!

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MANGAWHERO FALLS – FAQ

Now that we’ve covered the essentials, here are some frequently asked questions from first-time visitors.

WHERE DOES THE MANGAWHERO FOREST WALK START?

The Mangewwhero Forest Walk starts at the car park in the Tongariro National Park, right after the Waitangi Falls Walk trailhead.

HOW TALL IS MANGAWHERO FALLS?

Measuring in at 28 meters, these majestic falls are the perfect height to appreciate without feeling overwhelmed.

And despite its impressive size, it’s still a bit of a hidden gem, tucked away on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu, which makes it even more unique.

Forest at the MANGAWHERO FALLS

HOW LONG IS THE TRACK TO THE MANGAWHERO FALLS?

The track from the car park to Mangawhero Falls only takes 5 minutes! Whether you’re traveling with kids or just short on time, this short walk will be worth it.

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ARE DOGS ALLOWED ON THE TRACK?

Unfortunately, dogs aren’t allowed on the Mangawhero Falls track, which is a shame, so it’s best to leave them at home for this walk.

ARE THE FALLS WHEELCHAIR FRIENDLY?

Despite the short boardwalk section, the track is not wheelchair friendly, so I do not recommend coming if you’re in a wheelchair.

WHAT TO PACK FOR MANGAWHERO WATERFALLS?

You don’t actually need to pack a ton of gear when coming to the falls, given the short track.

In fact, all you really need is some water to stay hydrated and a few snacks to fuel up during your visit.

Of course, don’t forget your camera gear – you’ll love taking photos around here!

The BEST Affordable Camera For Travel

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If you’re on the hunt for a professional camera for traveling, check out the Canon G7 X Mark II.

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WHERE TO STAY IN TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK

There are dozens of accommodations around Tongariro National Park to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to suit the needs of luxury travelers, budget backpackers, and everyone in between.

See the list of accommodations in Tongariro National Park below that I personally recommend:

LUXURY: TWO RIVERS OHAKUNE

TWO RIVERS OHAKUNE

MID-RANGE: KINGS OHAKUNE

KINGS OHAKUNE

BUDGET: NATIONAL PARK ALPINE LODGE

National Park Alpine Lodge

FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN TONGARIRO NP, SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM

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WHAT TO PACK FOR NEW ZEALAND

When visiting New Zealand, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:

Must-Have Travel Essentials

Hidden Money Wallet

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Reusable Water Bottle

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The GRAYL GeoPress is the best reusable bottle that allows you to purify water from anywhere!


Travel Backpack

Nomatic 20L Bag

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Quick-Dry Travel Towel

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Portable PowerBank

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FINAL THOUGHTS

I hope you have enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions at all about the Mangawhero Forest Walk, please leave a comment below this post and I will reply as soon as I can.

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.

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TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!

bookingcom

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Book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance.


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THANKS FOR READING

Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!

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