About | Wilkies Pools
The Wilkies Pools is one of those ‘must do’ walks when you’re in the Taranaki region. Only a short walk, the track takes you to the Wilkies Pools, a cascading series of waterholes. It then goes further into the forest and loops back down. The great news for families is that the first part that gets you to the Wilkies Pools is pram (and wheelchair) friendly and only takes 20 minutes so can be enjoyed by all.
The Wilkies Pools Track
Begin at the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre, work your way up and find the start of the track about 100m up. It’ll take you into the forest where you’ll feel like you’ve entered another world. Let the fresh mountain air fill your lungs as you move your way through the forest and gaze at the twisted and gangly kamahi trees with hanging ferns and moss-covered undergrowth.
You’ll soon come across the Kapuni Stream. Beautifully clear water runs over smooth lava rocks, stop and take in the view – it’s a good one!
Carry on and further up you’ll come across the big swing bridge. Let the kids have fun feeling it swing and move underneath them, but when they see the Wilkies Pools before them, they’ll soon be racing off to go explore them!
Reaching the Wilkies Pools (which are named after the Wilkies brothers that once farmed here), you’ll be taken aback by their beauty. So clear and blue, you’ll wonder how high they go up. You can reach the top by walking up beside the falls along what is a 20,000-year-old lava flow. Tread with care – it can get slippery. There are several pools on the way up so plenty of places to go in for a dip – if you dare. The alpine water is freezing cold – even on a hot day but that doesn’t stop people from getting in and it’s easy to see why. Some even use the natural slides to get in – but I’d be cautious with that one.
Stop and just enjoy the view. You’ll want to take it all in. Take lots of photos of your new favourite place and bring out some lunch or snacks to munch on.
You can continue on to complete the loop or turn back – this track can be easy peasy if you want it to be. If you go for the longer route, you’ll come across Twin Falls, Bubbling Springs and some river crossings (which may be impassable after heavy rain) along the way.
The Wilkies Pools are one of those walks where it’s beauty is so undeniable, one visit just won’t be enough.
Kiwi Guardian Spot
There’s a Kiwi Guardian post to be spotted somewhere in the area so download the Kiwi Guardians at Dawson Falls map to take it with you! Don’t forget to claim your medal when you find it.
Time & distance of the track
Time: 20 min to the pools or 1 hr 20 min loop
Distance: 900m to the pools or 1.9 km loop
Nearby
Dawson Falls
Taranaki Poineer Village
Location
Just 20 minutes from Stratford, the track starts 100m above the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre.
Our Journey
We dropped into Egmont National Park on our way to New Plymouth, but the whole drive from Whanganui, it had rained. The drive was absolutely miserable and we didn’t know what we were going to do on such a wet day in Taranaki. We grabbed lunch in Stratford, saw the rain was easing a little and decided we’d just go for it and hope that the rain would stay away. And in hindsight, I’m glad we didn’t miss this one (because it was a goodie)!
The drive up
As we entered Egmont National Park and drove up it was like we had entered into another world. Fully surrounded by beautiful lush greenery, it was totally magical and such a nice welcome to the park.
Wilkies Pools Track
After parking the car at Dawson Falls Visitor Centre, we entered the forest and the magic just continued. I was totally in awe as I breathed in the fresh, cool air.
Kapuni Stream
We came out of the forest canopy and saw the beautiful Kapuni Stream. The water was so clear we just had to go down for a closer look.
The boys hopped along the rocks, totally mesmerized by the beauty of this place.
ARGH! I am so smitten with this place! It is just so beautiful and I feel like we didn’t spend anywhere near enough time here at Egmont National Park. When I look back at these photos all I want to say is – take me back!
The swing bridge
Cross the bridge and gaze out at the wondrous views of the Taranaki region in the distance, and look on the other side to see the simply beautiful Wilkies Pools. If you walk more along there’s a little track to get you in.
The Wilkies Pools
Arriving at the Wilkies Pools and we were just awe-struck! This place is simply beautiful, don’t you think?
Would you slide down this natural rockslide into the icy cold bath below?
The pools just didn’t seem to stop! On and on we climbed, until finally, we found the top one, with the amazing Mt Taranaki looming in the background.
The kids loved scrambling up the old lava flow and finding pool after pool. It was the most beautiful place – the photo’s don’t even do the place justice! We just kept saying, ‘wow!’.
This would make a very cold but refreshing dip in the summertime! Do you think you could brave the icy cold water?
Whatever you do, make sure this is on your must-do list when in Taranaki!
We, personally, can’t wait to go back!
