Waitonga Falls has to be one of my favourite little hikes. The views of Mount Ruapehu are just something else, and the waterfall itself is pretty too. It’s a nice and easy 3.5km return walk, so super family-friendly and good for all fitness levels.

About halfway in, you’ll walk along a boardwalk that passes a few big tarns, with incredible views of the North Island's tallest mountain. Honestly, if the weather’s on your side and there’s no wind, the reflection of Mount Ruapehu in the calm tarn water is like something straight out of a postcard. Definitely a perfect photo op.

From there, you keep going down to the waterfall, which is lush and fresh. You can’t get right up to the base of the falls, and you’ll need to cross a couple of streams, so balance is key. But even if you can’t get super close, the falls are still beautiful from wherever you’re standing. All in all, it's an easy trail packed with raw beauty, and I highly recommend it. It’s one of those walks that’s just simple but so rewarding.