Where the River Roars – Huka Falls, Wairakei

If you’re ever near Taupō and craving a bit of nature’s drama, Huka Falls is the spot. Just a short drive from town, the Waikato River squeezes through a narrow gorge and explodes into this thundering waterfall. The sheer volume of water over 220,000 litres per second is mind-blowing! You can hear it before you see it and when you do, it’s something else. The water’s this unreal turquoise and the power is just mesmerising. There’s a solid viewing platform, and if you’re up for it, some walking tracks that offer different perspectives. For the adrenaline junkies, jet boat rides get you up close and personal, so expect to get wet! Best part? It’s free, easy to access, and no matter how many times you go, it never gets old. Nature putting on a show, no tickets required. 📍Address: Huka Falls Road, Wairakei, Taupō 3377, New Zealand. It’s just a five-minute drive north of Taupō town centre, off State Highway 1.