Huka Falls is definitely worth a stop. There are a few viewpoints and a walk that takes about 40 minutes one way. The sheer volume and clear blue color of the water make it extraordinary. It may be experienced best on the bridge right before the falls, but all of the viewpoints offer a different perspective. The walk is pretty straightforward and follows the river until it reaches the falls. It's interesting to see how the currents change as one gets closer to the falls. It's a quick drive from Taupo and I highly recommend a quick stop.

You can just pull up in the car park and walk a few hundred metres to see these falls which are simply stunning. If you want you can also do a boat tour down the river or a high speed jet boat which circles very fast next to the falls themselves. Plenty of options for walkers (to go right down to the nearby Aratiatia rapids) or cyclists to follow a similar path. Toilets are situated in the car park and there’s a cafe at the top of the hill by the lookout which you can drive up to (or walk a mile up a steep hill).

Beautiful spot, walk to different viewpoints of the falls when you walk left over the bridge. This is the flat short (2 mins) walk mentioned in other reviews. The walk that goes off into the bush on the right of the bridge is a 6km (return) walk to Spa Park. It’s not wheelchair or pushchair friendly, it’s has small hills and steep drop offs but is easy for most. Spa park is a big grassy reserve, there is a ‘hot/warm’ area for soaking in in the river - this is free. Not deep, especially when river is low. Spa Park also has disc golf, a small playground & a bmx jump track. These are all another 10 min up the hill from the river. There are also toilets & a simple cafe (often closed). You need to return to Huka Falls via the same track. (3km each way)

After Aratiatia Dam we drove over to see Huka Falls. Maps directed us to a small parking lot for an overlook above the Waikato River. This location afforded us the the best full view of Huka Falls albeit from a distance. The second stop was the main parking lot and it was almost half full when we arrived around 11AM. A short bridge allowed us to cross over the river and head to the viewing area. The path was a bit muddy from the recent rains. It was amazing to see and hear the river flow by, get squeezed through the narrow banks and go over the short fall. The water was a unique icy blue. However we could not find any full view of Huka Falls as bushes lined the edge and we needed a selfie stick to lift our phone higher. Overall we spent less than half an hour across both viewpoints.

A must see while staying in Lake Taupo though note that it's not actually a waterfall but more like rapids in a rocky canyon like setup. Multiple viewpoints on either side of the main bridge. Note that the onsite toilets close around 17:00/17:15, even though there was no sign listing as such (December 2024). Total time needed is one hour for all the simple walking stuff and scenic points.

A fabulous place to visit. Doesn't take long unless you do one of the trails (which are around 2 hours) but to simply see the falls it's a relatively short visit. Amazing to see the water rushing down constantly, so many picture opportunities. Even better on a sunny day! I'd say a must-do if you're in this area.

We hiked to Huka falls and felt this made the experience. We parked near the hot stream and walked about 45 mins to the falls. Lots of people were driving but then you don’t get to see the stunning river along the way. We then walked to the cafe and the honey hive place. We then walked back and went in the hot stream and then drove to craters of the moon. Stunning day.

It was on our way to Taupo lake after we did the jet boat tour. Worth stopping by to take a look. It’s about 5min walk from the parking lot cross the bridge which we missed the first time and we had to drive back after looked at the map on our phone.

Water is crystal blue, and the waterfall is so powerful. Carpark is a few meters away from the main walkway. Flat and easy walk to see this beautiful waterfall pounding into the river below. Clean and clear waters. Great place to visit for all ages. No charge. If you want, you can do a 2 hour hike through the bush as well. Time to view approx 30 minutes.

Very busy but free - just 5 minutes from Taupō Beautiful, clear water with a number of viewing spots. Walk is short and flat so suitable for all ages. Not sure if wheelchair friendly . Good toilets A must do!