Riuwaka Resurgence
Located in Kahurangi National Park and Motueka area in the Nelson/Tasman region
Introduction
Walk to the cave and deep, clear pool where the Riuwaka River emerges from the depths of the Takaka Hill.Dog access
Image gallery
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Te Puna o Riuwaka is of particular cultural significance to the people of Te Atiawa and Ngati Rarua Image: Shellie Evans ©
![Waharoa at Riwaka Resurgence.]( "Waharoa at Riwaka Resurgence.")
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Riwaka Resurgence Image: Chris Gin | Creative Commons
![Riwaka Resurgence.]( "Riwaka Resurgence.")
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Crystal Pool, Riwaka Resurgence Image: Shellie Evans ©
![Crystal Pool, Riwaka Resurgence.]( "Crystal Pool, Riwaka Resurgence.")
The north branch of the Riuwaka River pours out of the cave-riddled marble of Takaka Hill in this beautiful area of Kahurangi National Park. Damp forest, clear cold water, tranquil pools, and moss-covered and water-worn marble rock create a fairyland quality.
A short path leads through the forest to where the river emerges. There is wheelchair access as far as Crystal Pool (5 min).
Other attractions include picnicking, walking and fishing.
For a view down to the resurgence, drive up to Hawkes Lookout on Takaka Hill. A five-minute path takes you through bush and marble outcrops to a spectacular viewpoint. Hawkes Lookout is on State Highway 60, 10 km from Riwaka.
The Riuwaka Resurgence is 11 km from Riwaka township and 16 km from Motueka.
From Riwaka, travel north-west on SH60 toward Takaka.
Just before the climb over the Takaka Hill, the road splits in two, with the signposted road to the Resurgence off to the left.
Travel 7 km along this gently winding, but easy, flat road, to the park beside the start of the track.
- Dogs and camping are not permitted.
- The rocks in the riverbed are very slippery.
Te Puna o Riuwaka is of particular cultural significance to the people of Te Atiawa and Ngati Rarua, who recognise it as wahi tapu, a sacred place.
Contacts
| Whakatū / Nelson Visitor Centre | |
| Phone: | +64 3 546 9339 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | nelsonvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
Millers Acre/Taha o te Awa 79 Trafalgar Street Nelson 7010 |
| Postal Address: |
Private Bag 5 Nelson 7042 |
| Full office details | |
| Motueka Office | |
| Phone: | +64 3 528 1810 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | motueka@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
406 High Street Motueka 7120 |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 97 Motueka 7143 |
| Full office details | |