At a Glance

• Drive time: ~15 minutes from Stratford to the Stratford Mountain House car park.
• Time needed: 2–3 hours return (allow longer for photos and breaks).
• Distance: 2.1 km (listed route distance).
• Difficulty: Advanced tramping track — steep, ladders/steps, and river travel.
• Best for: Active travellers who want a more “wild” falls walk.
• Facilities: No food & beverage on the track.
• Parking: Limited (Stratford Mountain House area).
• Dogs: Not allowed.
• Mobile coverage: Yes
• Wheelchair accessible / family friendly: No.

Where is Curtis Falls Track?

The track starts from the car park at Ngāti Ruanui Stratford Mountain House in the East Egmont area of Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki (Egmont National Park).

Address: 998 Pembroke Road, Egmont National Park, Stratford, Taranaki 4332.

What the walk is like

This is a “choose your footing” kind of track — you’ll encounter lots of steps and ladders as you descend into the Te Pōpō Stream valley, then climb and drop again into the Manganui River gorge.

Once you hit the riverbed, the experience changes: there’s no formed track — you’re essentially rock-hopping upstream, crossing the river as needed until you reach the waterfalls.

On clear days, you’ll often get beautiful Mount Taranaki views while you’re travelling the river.

The waterfalls: lower cascade vs the “real” Curtis Falls

One thing that catches people out: there’s a lower cascade that many mistake for Curtis Falls — it’s a great stop (especially in the wet season), and a good place to eat and regroup.

But the main event is further upstream. From the lower cascade area, you can climb up on the left and continue a little further to reach the base of the actual Curtis Falls, which is larger and a classic spot to cool off (in safe conditions).

When to go (and when to skip it)

DOC notes the track to the falls can be impassable in flood, and your own page also warns that in the wet season the stream/river sections can become difficult or impassable after heavy rain. In other words: pick settled weather and be conservative with river conditions.

Summer is generally the easiest time because river levels are usually lower, but it can still be slippery underfoot.

What to Bring (quick list)

There’s no drinking water on the track, so plan to carry what you need.

• Water: 2–3 litres per person
• Food: enough for the whole walk
• Footwear: sturdy tramping/hiking boots (expect wet feet if you mis-step)
• Wet weather gear: waterproof jacket + trousers
• Warm layers: gloves/hat (it can change fast)
• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
• Basics: first aid kit + charged cellphone
• Optional safety: PLB/mountain radio (hire available via the visitor centre)
• Optional comfort: walking poles)

Safety (don’t skip this bit)

• Tell a trusted contact where you’re going and when you expect to be back.
• Supervise children closely around steep sections and drop-offs (especially if anyone goes off-track near the falls).
• If river levels look high or fast: turn around — the river section is the crux.