The Mangawhero Falls are well-signposted just before you reach the forest margin of Ruapehu. You can step down to the river and the top of the falls from the parking area off Ohakune Mountain Road. Take care near the edge, as it’s a 28-metre drop! You can also walk around the cliff edge, protected by a fence and fringed by beech trees, to a viewing point, looking back at the falls.
Although the water flow is modest when it’s dry, the combination of cliffs, an overhang of beech trees and mountain shrubs, and the red rock behind the falls makes it a very photogenic location. The spring melt is probably the best time to see a stronger water flow.
The pool below the falls is also known as Golem’s Pool for LOTR fans.
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