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DAWSON FALLS WALKING TRACKS TRACK OVERVIEW There are three main walks, and they all take around an hour. The 1.4km Kapuni Loop down to Dawson Falls travels along Kapuni Stream, through what’s described as a ‘goblin forest' of subalpine trees. After following a short steep track, you will reach the base of Te Rere o Noke, Dawson Falls. The 1.9km Wilkies Pools Loop Track takes you to a series of pools carved out of ancient lava flow. If you're here in summer, you’ll want swimsuits and towels as there is excellent swimming along here; the first 900m to the pools are stroller friendly.
Where is it? Dawson Falls Visitor Centre, Manaia Rd, Egmont National Park.
Terrain Well-maintained forest paths, some steps, expect mud after rain, and the river may be dangerous to cross if the rain has been heavy.
Did you know? Dawson Falls Power Station is one of the world’s longest serving generators, having been in continuous operation since 1935. Built in 1900 in New York, it was previously in service in Tasmania before being shipped to Taranaki. Walkers can look into the machine room thanks to push button illumination.
Kapuni Loop 1hr; 1.4km Wilkies Pool Loop 80min; 1.9km Ridge Loop 80min; 1.9km Basic fitness required
The 1.9km Ridge Loop Track heads up through forest and crosses the stream before taking you back to the visitor centre.
Some steps
RIGHT: Dawson Falls © Ra Auld
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A short walk to an impressive feat of engineering deep within the pristine Whanganui National Park.
BRIDGE TO NOWHERE WALK
Where is it?
From Mangapūrua Landing 90min return/3km or from Whakahoro 11hr or from Ruatiti Rd end 11hr Basic fitness if walking short version Easy walking if walking short version Bridge to Nowhere © Tourism New Zealand
Two options: Start at Mangapūrua Landing on the Whanganui River with boat transport required. This will take 90min and is 3km returning the way you came. Or start at the Mangapūrua Track, with access from either Whakahoro Rd or Ruatiti Rd. To walk from Whakahoro it will take approximately 11hr, or from Ruatiti Rd end, it also takes about 11hr. The easiest way is to use river transport and opt for the 3km return walk.
Terrain Well-maintained bush trails.
TRACK OVERVIEW This impressive concrete bridge was built in 1936 to provide a means of crossing Mangapūrua Stream, which was a significant upgrade from the swing bridge people used to cross on. Sadly, by the time the bridge was completed, only three farmers lived in the area and, with so few people located around the bridge, the government chose not to maintain the roads that connected with it. The result is a charming walk through quintessential New Zealand native bush to an unexpectedly sturdy and elegant structure.
If you have a head for heights, lean slightly over the bridge to catch sight of monstrous eels skulking in the river below. Information panels flank one end of the bridge, where there's also a convenient picnic bench.
Get this The Bridge to Nowhere experiences more traffic today, albeit foot traffic, than when it was first constructed.
No dogs, unless you have a DOC permit WALKING MUST-DO'S 53
