THE DRIVE UP THE MOUNTAIN TO WILKIES POOLS TWISTS AND TURNS AS YOU MAKE YOUR WAY TO THE TOP.

~ By Justine Joyce Olckers ~

When you arrive, you can see cars parked everywhere and around the carpark are professional trampers getting geared up to embark on their journey.

Nestled under the mountain in the corner of the busy carpark is a beautiful coffee shop and an information centre. The perfect place to stop for a beverage before embarking on your hike. Remember to have a glimpse from the lookout point before heading out. There are a few stairs you will need to climb but the view at the top is worth every single step you take. You will be able to see Mount Taranaki and even further on a sunny clear day.

The reward for completing this walk up and down to Wilkies Pools is incredible. The hard incline going up to the Pools is rather strenuous on the legs but if my four-year-old son can do this whole walk without needing to be carried, then I am sure anyone can do it.

The walk is nestled within an abundance of shrubbery and thick high trees which makes it a ‘cool breezy walk’. Laid out on the whole hike gripping your feet to the track is a TrakMat™ that makes this trip easy on the feet and wheelchair friendly. Wilkies Pools tracks wind through goblin forest crossing over the Kapuni Stream. No need to worry about getting lost as there are plenty of signs showing you which path to take. So, go and enjoy a swim in some of nature’s most pristine pools. Pack togs, picnic bag and remember to slap on some sunscreen.

The natural plunge pools were formed by the scouring action of sand and gravel against lava 20,000 years old. The water running through is crystal clear. <<<