Dawson Falls walking tracks
Located in Dawson Falls area and Egmont National Park in the Taranaki region
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Introduction
Walk to a picturesque, 18 m waterfall or through goblin forest to lava-formed pools that are good for a dip. These tracks are suitable for children and have plenty to keep them interested.Various: 1.4 km or 1.9 km loop
Dog access
Kapuni Loop Track to Dawson Falls
Time: 1 hr loop
Distance: 1.4 km loop
Walk through mountain rainforest to the picturesque Dawson Falls (18 m).
From Manaia Road, the track descends along the Kapuni Stream through 'goblin forest' passing the short steep track to the base of Dawson Falls/Te Rere o Noke (18 m). Continue past the falls lookout point, cross Manaia Road and head uphill through forest to the visitor centre car park.
Getting there
The track begins 75 m down Manaia Road from the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre.
Wilkies Pools Loop Track
Time: 20 min to the pools, 1 hr 20 min loop
Distance: 1.9 km loop
Walk through kamahi (goblin) forest to a series of pools, scoured from 20,000 year old lava. Take togs and a towel and enjoy a refreshing dip in the pools.
The first 900 m of this track (to the pools) is baby buggy/wheelchair friendly with the remainder of the track good for children.
The track winds through ‘goblin forest’, crossing the bridge over the Kapuni Stream to reach the turnoff to the small lava formed Wilkies Pools. These pools were named after the Wilkies brothers who farmed locally. Families may want to return the same way – continuing around the loop requires some rock hopping across Kapuni Stream.
Return to the signpost to continue around the loop, past small waterfalls, bubbling springs and the intake weir for the power station. Recross the Kapuni Stream and head back to the visitor centre.
Take care when crossing the Kāpuni Stream as the river bank may be eroded, making access difficult. There is no bridge across this stream. It may be impassable after heavy rain.
Getting there
The track starts above the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre.
Ridge Loop Track
Time: 1 hr 20 min loop
Distance: 1.9 km loop
This track meanders uphill through subalpine forest, crossing the Kāpuni Stream before looping around and returning to the visitor centre.
Follow the Wilkies Pools Loop Track then turn right at the first junction to cross Kapuni Stream. Turn right again at the next junction and walk up a short steep track to join the Ridge Track. Head down the ridge and over a bridge to reach Manaia Road just below the visitor centre.
Getting there
Start on the Wilkies Pool Loop Track above the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre.
- Starting in Stratford, turn off SH23 into Celia Street, which becomes Opunake Road.
- Follow this for 14 km, then turn right into Manaia Road.
- Continue on this road for 9 km up the mountain to Dawson Falls Visitor Centre.
Be ready for changeable weather
Mt Taranaki has changeable and unpredictable weather. Check the forecast and carry enough clothing and equipment to ensure you are able to cope with any type of weather, at any time of the year.
Snow, high rainfall and storm damage can make tracks impassable.
Take extra care on the access road
Take care when travelling up Manaia Road to Dawson Falls road end as there may be increased traffic and heavy goods vehicles.
Dawson Falls Lodge is being redeveloped at Dawson Falls road end. The Lodge and café are closed during this work.
Contacts
| Dawson Falls Visitor Centre | |
| Phone: | +64 27 443 0248 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | egmontvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
Manaia Rd Egmont National Park |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 462 New Plymouth 4340 |
| Full office details | |
| Egmont National Park Visitor Centre | |
| Phone: | +64 6 756 0990 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | egmontvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
2879 Egmont Rd Egmont National Park |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 462 New Plymouth 4340 |
| Full office details | |
