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Tao Falls

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Landmark
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Tao Falls (New Caledonia)

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Tao Falls (Chutes de Tao) is one of New Caledonia's most wide-open natural wonders, located on the rugged northeast coast of the main island, Grande Terre, near Hienghène. These majestic falls cascade down the steep slopes of the Mount Panié massif in several dramatic stages, ranking among the highest and most scenic in the entire territory. A unique feature of Tao Falls is its proximity to the ocean; the water plunges through a lush, primary jungle and is visible from the coastal road that winds along the shoreline. The surrounding environment is a biodiversity hotspot, filled with endemic plants and ferns that thrive in the mist-laden air. A hiking trail leads adventurous visitors through the dense rainforest to various viewpoints, where the sheer power of the falls can be appreciated alongside remarkable vistas of the nearby lagoon. It is a quintessential site for experiencing the raw, untamed beauty of New Caledonia's northern landscape.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272727262423222222242526
Rain mm162166228141102865752445477119

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Tao Falls are accessible from the outside year-round, located on the scenic Hienghène coast. Entry is free, but after heavy rain the paths may become impassable.
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Typical hours
The falls are best seen during daylight; there are no fixed opening hours. Typically access is possible from sunrise to sunset.
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Photography
Photography is highly rewarding, especially after rain when the falls are full. A wide-angle lens is recommended to capture the full height.
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Time needed
Visiting Tao Falls typically takes between 45 minutes and one hour. A walk along the coast can extend your stay by another 30 minutes.
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Combine with
Convenient to combine with a visit to Hienghène Bay or the nearby limestone cliffs. Also worthwhile is a boat trip along the coast.
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Getting there
Tao Falls are reached by car on coastal road RP1, about 30 minutes north of Hienghène. A short walk from the parking lot leads to the viewpoints.
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Insider tip
Visit the falls best after a rainy period, when the water flow is impressive. Sturdy footwear is recommended as paths may be slippery.

Geography

Coordinates
-20.55100, 164.82100

Facts

  • Multi-tiered cascade form
  • Granite geological base
  • Flows into the lagoon
  • Height of over 100 meters
  • Part of the Mont Panié reserve
  • Near the mouth of the Ouaième

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Tao WaterfallTao Waterfall<1 km · SExplore →
Mont Panié Nature ReserveMont Panié Nature Reserve7 km · SEExplore →
Mont ColnettMont Colnett11 km · SWExplore →
HienghèneHienghène19 km · NEExplore →
Oubatche Historic SiteOubatche Historic Site24 km · SWExplore →
Mont IgnambiMont Ignambi27 km · SExplore →
Mont TsibaïMont Tsibaï29 km · EExplore →
Pouébo MissionPouébo Mission32 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Tao Falls (2)

Belvédère de la cascade de Tao

Viewpoint overlooking the Tao waterfall. From here you see the water plunge into the pool below.

Grande Cascade de Tao

Large waterfall in the New Caledonian jungle. Water falls over a high cliff into a basin.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What are the Chutes de Tao?
They are impressive, multi-tiered waterfalls cascading down from the mountains.
Is the path to the waterfalls steep?
Yes, the climb can be demanding; sturdy footwear is a must.
Can you take great photos there?
Yes, the combination of water and lush vegetation is a handy photo subject.
How long does the hike take?
Plan for about 1 hour for a thorough exploration of the lower areas.
Is there a cafe there?
No, it is a purely natural location with no tourist infrastructure.
Tao Falls: where is it located?
Tao Falls is located in New Caledonia.
Tao Falls: what is there to see?
Highlights include Belvédère de la cascade de Tao, Grande Cascade de Tao.
Tao Falls: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Tao Falls: why is it worth visiting?
Tao Falls (Chutes de Tao) is one of New Caledonia's most wide-open natural wonders, located on the rugged northeast coast of the main island, Grande Terre, near Hienghène.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Oceania
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Oceania
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Nearby cities

Dumbéa — Tao Falls (New Caledonia)
Dumbéa
Dumbéa is a rapidly growing suburb of Nouméa and part of the Great Nouméa metropolitan area.
Kone Economic Pole — Tao Falls (New Caledonia)
Kone Economic Pole
Kone has developed into the primary economic hub of the North Province.
Koné — Tao Falls (New Caledonia)
Koné
Koné is the capital of the North Province and a vital center for the nickel industry in the north.
Thio — Tao Falls (New Caledonia)
Thio
Thio is considered the cradle of nickel mining in New Caledonia, located on the southeast coast.
Païta Pioneer District — Tao Falls (New Caledonia)
Païta Pioneer District
Païta is known for its history as the first major settlement outside Nouméa.
Païta — Tao Falls (New Caledonia)
Païta
Païta is located west of Nouméa and hosts the territory's primary international airport.
Koumac — Tao Falls (New Caledonia)
Koumac
Koumac is a key service center in the far north of the main island, Grande Terre.
Koumac Old Village — Tao Falls (New Caledonia)
Koumac Old Village
A historic mining and agricultural center in the north.
Kouaoua — Tao Falls (New Caledonia)
Kouaoua
Kouaoua is a mining town on the east coast famous for having one of the world's longest conveyor belts.
Houaïlou — Tao Falls (New Caledonia)
Houaïlou
Houaïlou is a town on the east coast known for its lychee cultivation and mining tradition.
Poindimié — Tao Falls (New Caledonia)
Poindimié
Poindimié is the most important economic and administrative center on the northeast coast of the main island.
Canala — Tao Falls (New Caledonia)
Canala
Canala is a historical center of nickel mining on the east coast of New Caledonia.
Pouembout — Tao Falls (New Caledonia)
Pouembout
Pouembout is a growing town in the North Province, closely linked to the development of Koné.
Voh Pioneer History — Tao Falls (New Caledonia)
Voh Pioneer History
Famous for the 'Heart of Voh', the commune also has a rich history of coffee farming and early European settlement.
Voh — Tao Falls (New Caledonia)
Voh
Voh is a northern commune world-famous for a natural heart shape within its mangroves.

History & landmarks

Koné City Hall — Tao Falls (New Caledonia)
Koné City Hall
The city hall of Koné is the administrative center of the North Province of New Caledonia.
🗺️
Tao Waterfall
The Tao Waterfall is one of New Caledonia's most spectacular cascades, falling in multiple tiers from the slopes of Mont Panié.

More places

Ducos — Tao Falls (New Caledonia)
Ducos
Ducos is the primary industrial and commercial zone of Nouméa, located on its own peninsula.
Ouvéa — Tao Falls (New Caledonia)
Ouvéa
Ouvéa is a stunning coral atoll in the Loyalty Islands featuring a 25-kilometer long sandy beach.
Bélep — Tao Falls (New Caledonia)
Bélep
Bélep is a remote archipelago in the far north of New Caledonia with a rich fishing tradition.