Hike Wilkies Pools and Dawson Falls: The Ultimate Taranaki Day Trip in NZ
If you are looking for an incredible base to explore the eastern side of Mt Taranaki, the rural town of Stratford is well worth a multi-day stay. Beyond the town’s famous Shakespearean themes and iconic Glockenspiel clock tower, the rugged alpine mountain tracks are 30 minute drive from Stratford. On this recent trip, I decided to combine two fantastic walks to Wilkies Pools and Dawson Falls followed by a quirky vintage detour just up the road. It turned out to be a visit full of stunning volcanic landscapes, unexpected trail challenges, and a great dose of classic Aotearoa/New Zealand nostalgia.
Getting There
Dawson Falls Visitor Centre
To get to Wilkies Pools I used the trail starting at the Dawson Falls visitor centre. The road out to the centre is on Manaia Road, it is sealed the whole way, though it winds steadily uphill through farmland before you cross into Taranaki National Park proper. Once you’re in the park the bush closes in around you and the road narrows a little, so it’s worth taking your time on the last stretch, especially if you’re not used to driving in misty conditions.
There is a car park at the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre, along with public toilets, so it’s worth making use of those before you set off since there is nowhere else nearby. The visitor centre building itself has had periods of closure in the past, so if you’re planning to rely on it for shelter, information, or a hot drink, it’s worth checking the DOC website beforehand rather than assuming it will be open.
Wilkies Pools Loop Track
The walk to Wilkies Pools starts directly from the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre. The first half of the track is a beautifully maintained, fully accessible walk that is part matting and part boardwalk that meanders gently uphill through a lush, mossy “goblin forest.” The twisted Kamahi trees draped in hanging moss give the area an otherworldly feel.
As you walk along the boardwalk keep an eye out for Mt Taranaki, often its hidden behind cloud, then as you cross the swing bridge look to your left where you will spot the pools. To your right you will have views over the southern Taranaki countryside. The water cascading over the smooth, water-worn stone is incredibly clear.
While the walk up is an easy stroll, completing the track as a loop is more of hike. The return path gets significantly narrower and requires a bit of agility, with lots of steps some filled with water. There were a number of small waterfalls in one area that has a waterfall and stream crossing the track with some very slippery rocks. Further on, I encountered an unexpected river crossing over the Kapuni Stream. The crossing itself isn’t long, maybe a dozen steps across, but the current was flowing steadily enough that I had to watch my footing carefully on the rounded, slippery stones. I found myself wishing I had brought my walking poles along to help stabilise on the way across.
Quick Tips for Wilkies Pools Loop Track
- Drive Time: From Stratford to Dawson Falls visitor centre is about 26 minutes
- Track Length: 1.9 km, 1hr 20 min round trip, 20 minutes to the pools
- Accessibility: Stroller/wheelchair friendly the first 900 metres of the track which takes you to the pools. Further than the pools you will need to navigate a river crossing and various water spots on the track – time of year dependant
- Rules: No Dogs
Things you might like to pack
– Walking poles, genuinely don’t skip these if you’re doing the full loop and there’s any chance of a stream crossing
– Grippy footwear rather than trail runners, the rocks around the pools and streams get slick
– Warm Clothing A warm layer as weather can be quite changeable
– Water bottle A reusable water bottle, there’s nowhere to fill up once you’re past the visitor centre
Best Time to Visit
Taranaki’s weather around the mountain changes fast, sometimes within the same afternoon, so it pays to check the forecast for the mountain itself rather than for Stratford or New Plymouth. Mornings tend to be your best bet for clearer views and a drier track, and the pools are a genuinely lovely spot to visit in any season since the boardwalk section stays accessible even when the higher tracks are wetter underfoot. If you’re set on doing the full loop and the stream crossing, it’s worth aiming for a stretch of settled weather rather than right after heavy rain, when the Kapuni Stream will be running higher and faster than what I experienced.
Dawson Falls Track
Straight after finishing the Wilkies Pools loop track, I headed directly down the road to Dawson Falls (Te Rere o Noke). This walk is quite short but involves a steady, steep descent down a series of steps through native bush to reach the base of the spectacular 18-metre waterfall.
Standing at the bottom looking up at the sheer drop of water over the old volcanic ledge is incredible. The power of the falls creates a refreshing, chilly mist that swirls through the valley. Despite the biting alpine air, when I arrived at the base there were some guys having fun jumping right into the freezing water pools. It definitely was not the day for a swim in my book, but it was highly entertaining to watch their bravery from the safety of the dry rocks! The quick, heart-pumping stair-climb back up to the car park is a great way to warm yourself back up after standing in the misty valley.
Quick Tips for Dawson Falls
- Track Length: 10 mins one way from Manaia Road
- Accessibility: There are a large number of wooden stairs to navigate if heading to the base of the falls
- Viewing: Head via the stairs to the base of the falls or view from the lookout point
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Wilkies Pools loop suitable for beginners?
The first section to the pools is an easy, accessible boardwalk suitable for most fitness levels. The full loop back, including the Kapuni Stream crossing, is more suited to those with some tramping experience and sturdy footwear. - Do I need a permit to visit Dawson Falls or Wilkies Pools?
No permit is required for either track, they are open access within Taranaki National Park. - Can you swim at Dawson Falls or Wilkies Pools
It’s possible at Dawsons falls, and some visitors do jump into the pools at the base, but the water is extremely cold year-round. Swim at your own risk and only if you’re a confident, capable swimmer. Wilkies pool yes you can swim however the water is also extremely cold. - Are dogs allowed on these tracks?
No, dogs are not permitted on the Wilkies Pools loop or Dawson Falls track, in line with national park rules protecting native wildlife.
Video Highlights of Wilkies Pools and Dawson Falls
will contain other hikes
Opshopping Taranaki
If you like to find a bargain or two then make sure to check out the op shops in Stratford, New Plymouth and Hawera. No matter where I go I alwasy try to hit an op shop or two.
Stratford Clock & Fun Ho! Toys
After spending a day focusing on the mountain tracks, I made sure to explore the local culture and history of the area. You can’t stay in Stratford without pausing in the town centre to watch the unique Glockenspiel clock tower. Located on the main street, it performs automated scenes from Romeo and Juliet four times a day, complete with wooden figures emerging from the windows while audio plays.
I also took a fantastic short side trip north to Inglewood to visit the iconic Fun Ho! National Toy Museum. I’m sure most families in New Zealand had a Fun Ho! toy or knew someone who did. The toys are cast at the museum using original moulding plates & boxes you can still buy these today. Walking amongst shelves lined with thousands of classic, vintage New Zealand-made cast aluminium toys was a massive nostalgia trip. If you’ve got even a passing interest in vintage design or Kiwiana collectables, it’s well worth building into your day.
Quick Tips for Fun Ho!
- Opening Hours Monday to Friday 10.00 am – 4.00 pm, Saturday & Sunday & Public Holidays10.00 am – 2.00 pm
- Prices Adults $8 children $4
- Location 25 Rata Street Inglewood
- Information for more details and products see Fun Ho! Toys
Final Word On Wilkies Pools & Dawson Falls
Sometimes the short walks can be just a beneficial as the long arduous hikes, giving you more time to explore and appreciate your surroundings. An added bonus was being able to view Mt Taranaki as when I visited New Plymouth a few years ago it was clouded over.
If time is short you could walk to Wilkies Pools, but if doing the full loop make sure to take some walking poles especially after rain as the river will be higher. Have you done this walk or others nearby? I’m looking for more hikes to do in the future so let me know in the comments.
Happy traveling, Jenny â follow me on Insta or Youtube
