Waterfalls, fascinating glimpses into remote New Zealand backcountry with two spectacular waterfalls, Mount Dampier and Tangarakau falls to view. Enjoy pristine bush and farmland on the Forgotten Highway 43 North Island, New Zealand.
DETOUR – MOUNT DAMPIER FALLS WALK
This short walk leads to Mount Damper Falls, one of the highest falls in the North Island. The falls drop in a curtain 78 km into Mount Damper Stream, off the Tongaporutu River.
Highlights of the Mount Dampier falls walk:
- Sheer delight getting there on a remote road that is a detour off the Forgotten Highway
- Short easy 1 km walk to two viewing platforms
- Walk on through paddocks and pasture is definitely a trip to rural New Zealand. You are passing through private property
- Enjoy a 74-metre waterfall from two viewing platforms.
Source DOC Mount Damper Falls Walk
The track is closed to hunters every year from 1 August to 31 October for the lambing season. The track is well signposted with a roadside carpark. Picnic tables and compostable toilet mark the spot.
MOUNT DAMPIER FALLS LOCATION
Okau Road, Ahititi 4397, New Zealand
The falls are located on a walking track about 1 km from the intersection of Okau and Mangapapa Roads on State Highway 43 in the Stratford District in Taranaki. The 14 km detour off State Highway 43. The falls are signposted on State Highway 43.
DETOUR – TANGARAKAU WATERFALLS
One of New Zealand’s top scenic gorges complete with waterfall. Tangarakau is now a remote camping ground with very little evidence of the former bustling town (photographs adore the camp ground offices). Raekohua falls are located on Tangaraku Road on the way to the BushLands Camping Ground.
This is a no exit road. You will need to return on the same route to the Forgotten Highway 43 to continue your journey.
TANGARAKAU GORGE LOCATION
Tangarakau Gorge, State Highway 43, Central North Island, NZ
Tangarakau settlement photo copy of Tangarakau Motorcamp historic photo collection.
The Forgotten Highway is now an unsealed gravel road. Slow down and use the roadside stops to ponder the difficulty facing people whose form of transport was either fast flowing rivers or walking over the rugged terrain. The description “overlooked highway” is apt.
INTERESTING FACT NOTE AFFILIATE PARTNER STATEMENT
Tangarakau, Mount Dampier falls are part of the Forgotten Highway which features as one of the top New Zealand Road Trips.
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