Exploring the Wilkie Pools on Mount Taranaki
Located on the southeastern slopes of Mount Taranaki in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki, the Wilkie Pools are a striking natural feature, with an easy, accessible walking track. Starting from the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre, take the well-maintained track through beautiful forest that leads to these enchanting pools and falls.
Walking to Wilkie Pools
The walk to the Kapuni Stream through kamahi forest is well maintained, and the first 900 metres are suitable for wheelchairs and buggies, with a gentle slope climbing about 100 metres. This gets you most of the way to the highlight - a series of small waterfalls and pools cascading down the mountain. Just before you reach the pools, there is a bridge over the stream with an excellent view.
Once you reach the pools, you can clamber up the rocks to higher sections of the falls and pools, and you may be able to take a dip.
The track can be done as a loop. After visiting the pools, cross the stream (no bridge; conditions may affect crossing) and follow the track southeast to reconnect with the main track 9anotehr stream crossing) or the Ridge Track, which also returns to the car park via a bridge.
It takes only 20 minutes to reach the falls. Be aware that this is a very popular attraction, so try to avoid public holidays and peak-season weekends.
Weather Considerations
At 1,000 metres, the Wilkie Pools are well below the Winter snowline. Combined with the high-quality walking surface, they are easily accessible year-round.
A more significant factor is the chance of mountain fog. Visiting the Wilkie Pools on a misty day can add an eerie and atmospheric quality to your experience, with fewer people on the trail.
Discovering the Goblin Forest
Some of the best of Mt Tarannaki’s Goblin Forest can be discovered on the Ridge Track, the suggested return section of the loop. The forest is famous for its twisted ancient kamahi trees and moss-covered branches, creating a magical and otherworldly atmosphere.
Getting to the Wilkie Pools
From Stratford, take Opunake Road west across farmland below the south side of Mount Taranaki. At the intersection of Manaia Road, turn north and continue until you reach the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre and car park at the end of the road, high on the side of the mountain. This road is sealed but narrow as you climb up the mountain. It is generally open year-round. The drive takes 26 minutes and is 23 km. From New Plymouth, it is 60 minutes and 63 km; from Hawera, 40 minutes and 41 km.
Nearby, you can also walk to the waterfall - Dawson Falls - which is southeast of the visitor centre and car park. From the Ridge track, you can expand your exploration of the Goblin Forest by walking the looped racks between East Egmont and Dawson Falls Visitor Centre.
