Dawson Falls is the most spectacular and easiest to reach waterfall of the many around the base of Mount Taranaki. Formed by the Kapuni Stream dropping over a 18m high cliff, the waterfall drops into a shallow pool, before cascading over a series of smaller ledges. Dawson Falls is most impressive after heavy rain or during Spring once the snowpack on the Mount Taranaki starts melting, when the waterfall often has two parallel drops.
The waterfall was named after Thomas Dawson, Manaia’s first postmaster who spent his spare time exploring the mountain’s relatively unknown southern slopes, and was the first European to discover the waterfall in March 1883. Its Māori name is Te Rere o Noke (the Falls of Noke) after the Māori warrior who escaped his pursuers by hiding behind the falls.
Getting to Dawson Falls (Te Rere o Noke)
The most direct way to Dawson Falls is only about a kilometre from carpark via the Kapuni Loop Trail, or slightly longer along the main road. A short but steep set of stairs leads to the base of the falls, which offers the best viewing point.
There is another vantage point along the Kapuni Loop Trail, which gives you a view of the top of the waterfall.
The 1.4km Kapuni Loop Trail is the best way to see the waterfall as well as experiencing the kamahi (goblin) forest, with its twisted and moss-covered trees.
Allow about 30-45min to visit the falls via the Kapuni Loop Trail.
You can also take the longer (4.1km) Wilkies Pools and Dawson Falls Loop, which passes by a set of cascades and picturesque waterholes further up the Kapuni Stream.
The Dawson Falls carpark which is the starting point for a number of Mount Taranaki hikes is roughly mid-way between Auckland and Wellington, about 325km (4:15min drive) from Wellington and 410km (5.5 hours) from Auckland.
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