Te Puna Wai o Riuwaka/Riuwaka Resurgence

The north branch of the Riuwaka River pours out of the cave-riddled marble of Tākaka 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 Tākaka 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 Tākaka.

Just before the climb over the Tākaka 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.

A wheelchair user will need assistance on the track.

Supervise children at all times.

Dogs and camping are not permitted.

The rocks in the riverbed are very slippery. The steps down to the resurgence and surrounding rocks can be underwater during floods.

Te Puna o Riuwaka is of particular cultural significance to the people of Te Atiawa, Ngati Rarua and Ngati Tama, who recognise it as wahi tapu, a sacred place.