Wilkies Pools Loop Track

The first 900 m of this track (to the pools) is baby buggy/wheelchair friendly with the remainder of the track good for children. It takes 20 minutes to get to the pools.

The track starts by winding through ‘goblin forest’. Cross 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 Kapuni 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.

The track starts at the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre.

To get there starting from Stratford, turn off State Highway 23 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

Taranaki Maunga 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.

Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki weather forecast – NIWA website

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.