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Dawson Falls, Egmont National Park
1.4 km
1 hour
70 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you are looking for a slice of Middle-earth tucked away on the slopes of a dormant volcano, the Kapuni Loop Track is exactly where you need to be. Located in the heart of the Dawson Falls area within Egmont National Park, this short but incredibly punchy walk offers a sensory overload of emerald greens, misty waterfalls, and ancient forest lore.
Whether you are a local Taranaki resident looking for a quick weekend escape or a tourist ticking off the highlights of the North Island, this 1.4-kilometre loop is the perfect introduction to the unique "goblin forest" that makes Taranaki Maunga so famous. It is an easy, family-friendly adventure that packs a lot of reward into just one hour of walking.
Stepping onto the Kapuni Loop Track feels like walking into a storybook. The trail begins just a stone’s throw from the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre, and almost immediately, you are swallowed by the dense, verdant canopy. The terrain here is classic Taranaki: a mix of well-formed gravel paths and more "authentic" bush sections where gnarly tree roots criss-cross the track like wooden veins.
As you start the loop, the path gently descends towards the Kapuni Stream. You’ll notice the air temperature drop a few degrees as the moisture from the stream and the thick moss-clad trees creates a cool, refreshing microclimate. This is the famed goblin forest. High-altitude winds and the mountain’s unique weather patterns have stunted and twisted the native kāmahi trees into bizarre, haunting shapes. Draped in long tresses of pale green lichen and thick carpets of moss, these trees seem to watch you as you pass.
For families, this is a fantastic "starter" hike. It’s short enough that kids won’t get tired, but "wild" enough to feel like a real expedition. While the track is graded as easy, do keep an eye on your footing. After a bit of Taranaki rain—which happens quite often—the track can become delightfully muddy and the roots can get a bit slippery. It’s all part of the charm, but a good pair of walking shoes or boots will make your life much easier.
The sound of rushing water grows louder as you approach the highlight of the walk. The trail leads you to several vantage points of the stream before revealing the spectacular Dawson Falls. After taking in the views, the track winds its way back up through the forest, crossing Manaia Road briefly before returning you to the warmth of the visitor centre.
Ample free parking is available at the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre car park, which serves as the starting point for the Kapuni Loop Track. It's recommended to park here for safety, rather than on the roadside. On busy summer weekends, particularly when Wilkies Pools is a popular swimming spot, arriving earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon can help secure a spot.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
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Loop
The undisputed crown jewel of this walk is Dawson Falls, known in Māori as Te Rere o Noke. Standing at 18 metres tall, the waterfall plunges over an ancient, smoothed-over lava flow. The contrast between the white, thundering water and the dark volcanic rock is a photographer's dream. For the best experience, take the short side-trip down the stepped track to the base of the falls. Standing at the bottom, you can feel the raw power of the water and, if the wind is blowing right, enjoy a refreshing mountain spray on your face.
Another fascinating, though often overlooked, highlight is the Kapuni River hydroelectric generator. As you walk along the stream, you are tracing the path of one of New Zealand’s oldest operational power plants. Installed in the early 20th century to provide electricity to the nearby mountain house, it is a cool piece of industrial heritage hidden in the middle of a national park.
Finally, don’t forget to look up. The goblin forest itself is a highlight. The way the light filters through the kāmahi canopy creates a shimmering, ethereal glow that is unlike any other forest in New Zealand. It’s the perfect place for "forest bathing" and soaking in the silence of the mountain.
Reaching the Kapuni Loop Track is a scenic journey in itself. From Stratford, you’ll head west on Opunake Road before turning onto Manaia Road, which climbs steadily up the slopes of the mountain. The road is sealed but can be narrow and winding in places, so take your time and enjoy the views of the surrounding farmland as they give way to dense native bush.
The trail begins at the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre car park. There is ample free parking available here, and it is much safer to park in the designated area than on the narrow roadside. A quick tip for those visiting during the height of summer or on long weekends: this area is a gateway to several popular spots, including the Wilkies Pools. To ensure you snag a parking space without the stress, try to arrive before 10:00 am or later in the afternoon around 3:00 pm when the midday crowds start to head home.
Egmont National Park is a haven for native birdlife, and the Kapuni Loop provides an excellent theatre for birdwatching. Because the forest is so thick, you will often hear them before you see them.
The best time for wildlife spotting is early morning when the "dawn chorus" is at its peak and the birds are most active.
The Kapuni Loop Track is truly a walk for all seasons, each bringing its own flavour to the experience:
To the people of Taranaki, the mountain is more than just a landmark; it is an ancestor. Taranaki Maunga holds immense spiritual significance to local iwi (tribes). According to Māori legend, Taranaki once lived in the centre of the North Island with the other great mountains. After a dispute over the beautiful Mount Pīhanga, Taranaki moved west, carving out the path of the Whanganui River as he went, eventually settling where he stands today.
The name Te Rere o Noke (Dawson Falls) also carries historical weight. Noke was a Māori warrior who hid from his pursuers behind the curtain of the waterfall, using the cave-like space behind the flow to remain undetected.
Geologically, you are walking on the remnants of thousands of years of volcanic activity. The very rocks you step on near the falls were once molten lava. Today, the area is a testament to the success of New Zealand’s conservation efforts, with intensive pest control allowing the native flora and fauna to thrive in a way that was nearly lost a century ago.
After you’ve filled your lungs with mountain air and your phone with photos of the falls, you’ll likely be looking for a spot to refuel.
If you head back down towards Stratford, be sure to stop at one of the local cafes. Stratford is New Zealand’s "Shakespearean Town," and you’ll find plenty of spots with a friendly, rural vibe. The Well Cafe is a local favourite, known for its excellent coffee and hearty cabinet food—perfect for post-hike hunger.
Alternatively, if you are heading back towards New Plymouth, a stop in Egmont Village or a slight detour to the Mountain House Garden (if they are serving) can provide a lovely end to your trip. There’s nothing quite like a hot flat white and a piece of ginger slice after a trek through the goblin forest!
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Anthornis melanura
Endemic songbird with bell-like calls. Males are olive-green with a purple head sheen; females are browner with a narrow white-yellow stripe across the cheek.
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Year-round