At a Glance

• Drive time: ~20 minutes from Stratford
• Time needed: ~1 hr 20 min for the loop (allow longer if you picnic/swim)
• Distance: 1.9 km loop
• Difficulty: Easy to intermediate walking track
• Best for: Families, casual walkers, goblin-forest vibes, and a quick “swim + snack” mission
• Wheelchair/pushchair: First 900 m (to the pools) is buggy/wheelchair friendly
• Dogs: Not allowed
• Parking: At Dawson Falls entrance / Visitor Centre area
• Mobile coverage: Yes (generally)
• Highlight: Goblin forest + plunge pools

Where is Wilkies Pools?

Wilkies Pools Loop Track is in the Dawson Falls area of Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki (Taranaki Maunga) and starts at the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre on Manaia Road.

Wild Taranaki notes the track begins from the car park about 100 m above the Visitor Centre.

What the walk is like

ThisThe track starts by winding through lush kāmahi “goblin forest”, with boardwalk/formed sections that make it feel safe and sturdy.

The quick option: pools out-and-back (best for buggies/wheelchairs)

The first 900 m gradually climbs to the pools and is the accessible-friendly portion. DOC says it’s about 20 minutes to reach the pools.

The full loop (adds a bit of adventure)

If you continue around the loop, expect steps and a Kapuni Stream crossing that can involve rock hopping—there’s no bridge across the stream on the loop section.

The pools (and why they’re special)

Wilkies Pools are small, natural plunge pools formed by sand and gravel scouring ancient lava (around 20,000 years old). The water is famously clear, and it’s an awesome spot to cool off or picnic beside the stream.

A classic “kid highlight” is the swing bridge over the Kapuni Stream just before the pools.

Best time to go

Choose a day with settled weather. DOC warns that Taranaki Maunga weather is changeable and unpredictable, and tracks can become impassable after snow, heavy rain, or storm damage.

If you’re doing the full loop, be extra cautious: DOC notes the Kapuni Stream crossing may be impassable after heavy rain (and the bank can be eroded).

What to Bring (quick list)

It’s short, so keep it simple:

• Togs + towel (if you plan to swim)
• Water
• Snacks / picnic lunch (the pools are ideal for it)
• Shoes with grip (especially if you explore rocks around the pools)
• Warm layer / rain jacket (weather turns fast up here)

Safety (don’t skip this bit)

• If you’re looping back, treat the Kapuni Stream crossing seriously: no bridge, potentially eroded banks, and it can be impassable after rain.
• Be prepared for rapid weather changes (carry enough gear even on “nice” days).
• No dogs on this track.