Dawson Falls short walks
Short walk
Getting there
Dawson Falls sits at the top end of Manaia Road 14 km from Kaponga. The drive to the roadend is through scenic native forest. Kaponga is an easy drive west of Stratford and Eltham.
About the area
Explore the Dawson Falls area of Egmont National Park which features one of New Zealand's oldest operational power generators.
Located on the south eastern slopes of Mt Taranaki, in Egmont National Park.
Description
Dawson Falls Power Station
Dawson Falls Power Station walk
Time: 10 min return
Follow the Manaia Road down from Dawson Falls Visitor’s Centre and turn left at the Power Station sign. You will be able to hear the Kāpuni Stream which drives the generator that provides electricity for the Dawson Falls Tourist Lodge.
Dawson Falls Viewing Point
Time: 10 min return
A short walk through rainforest to a point overlooking the Dawson Falls.
From the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre drive 400m back down Manaia Rd to the Dawson Falls sign and small car park. 50m further down the road the Kapuni Loop Track enters the trees on the left. A short series of steps followed by 400m of track takes you to the viewing point for Dawson Falls. Return via the same route.
Dawson Falls
Dawson Falls
Time: 20 min return
A short steep descent through rainforest to the base of Dawson Falls.
From the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre drive 400m back down Manaia Rd to the Dawson Falls sign and small car park. Following the sign enter the bush and descend a series of steep stairs to the base of the falls. Return via the same route.
Wilkies Pools (short track)
Time: 10 min return
A taste of mountain rainforest on a track suitable for buggies and wheelchairs.
Begin at the picnic area above Dawson Falls Visitor Centre and follow signs for Wilkies Pools. The short section of track leads through mountain rainforest sometimes known as 'Goblin Forest.' After 450m the track reaches a series of stairs from where it continues on to the pools. Return via the same route.
Activities
Historic sites
The Power Station Walk is a short walk to one of the world’s oldest continuously operating generators.
Plan and prepare
What to expect on a short walk:
- Easy walking for up to an hour
- Track is well formed, with an even surface. There may be steps or slopes
- Suitable for people of most abilities and fitness
- Stream and rivers crossings are bridged
- Walking shoes required