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Taranaki Falls Loop Track
One of the best short walks in Tongariro National Park, this is an easy 2 hour walk through tussock, alpine grassland and shrubs, beech forest and exposed lava flows. And on a clear day, you will be rewarded with outstanding views of Mt Ruapehu, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Tongariro.
Weather conditions are prone to change quite rapidly, so if the mountains are shrouded in cloud or fog when you start out, remember to cast a backward glance from time to time, as the skies will often clear, even momentarily, to reveal spectacular views of the magnificent mountains and surrounding landscape.
The loop track takes you past the beautiful Taranaki Falls, which tumble 20 metres over the edge of a lava flow, into a crystal- clear pool below. On the lower section, the track passes Cascade Falls and follows the river, providing a host of pretty picnic spots.
The track starts from a small carpark at the end of Ngauruhoe Terrace, first left past the Chateau Tongariro. Alternatively, you can park in the Whakapapa Village Carpark. The walk is relatively easy and manageable for those with moderate fitness - on our latest visit during the school holidays, families with young children were out enjoying the walk. The track is undulating, with stairs in some sections, but nothing strenuous. All rivers and streams are bridged.
In winter the track can be partially covered in snow or ice so care is required - walking poles are very helpful to keep your balance. After heavy snowfalls the track will be impassable. Tramping boots are a good choice, especially in the winter months when you may encounter snow or ice. Over the summer months walking shoes or trainers are ok.
At any time of the year, this is a fantastic walk with stunning vista's in all directions.
Tawhai Falls, located on Bruce Road approaching the Chateau, are worthy of a quick stop. Only 5 minutes' walk from the small carpark on the lefthand side of the highway. At certain times of the year you may even see white water kayakers negotiate the falls.
Pogies. When the weather gets chilly over the winter months, or you're paddling in the deep south when it can be cold at any time of the year, quality neoprene pogies will keep your hands toasty warm and dry. Velcro the pogies around the paddle shaft then simply slip your hands through to grip your paddle. The wide wrist opening makes it easy to get your hands in or out quickly.
When camping with access to the car, this 3 burner gas cooker is perfect. It even has a rack for cooking toast and the lid acts as a wind shield. The legs unscrew and it folds up into a tidy, compact unit. We have been using this cooker for over 20 years, so a pretty good investment. New models will no doubt have been modified and improved, but we have never had any issues with this one.
really basic, but don't buy two the same size and check that they fit inside each other to save space in your pack. Stainless steel, bullet proof coffee plungers, are a bonus when space is not an issue.
When bigger fold out chairs are not an option due to space or weight, but you don't fancy sitting on the ground all the time, these little beauties are just what you need. They take very little space and when kayaking fit up the pointy nose end especially well. We have had ours for quite a few years and have used them on frequent trips, so I can personally recommmend these Roamer Tri Stools. Available from Kathmandu, you can often pick them up for less than $20. Check them out 
At some locations in NZ at certain times of the year, and certain times of the day (especially in Fiordland) sandflies or mosquito's can be a nuisance.
Air mattresses: Double and single styles available, perfect if you are camping close to your vehicle when weight and size not an issue. Lengthwise 185cm is a snug fit in our tent, however many of the new ones are 200 – 215 cm and will not fit in some compact dome tents. Many are also double the height, suitable only for large tents.
Stackable plastic cubes are fantastic to keep all related items together and the car stays nice & tidy. We can fit twelve boxes and access from back and rear doors means you only ever need to move one box to reach what you want.