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Dawson Falls, Egmont National Park
1.9 km
1 hour 18 minutes
86 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you have ever wanted to step inside the pages of a fantasy novel, the Ridge Loop Track at Dawson Falls is your chance. Tucked away on the lower slopes of the mighty Taranaki Maunga (Mount Taranaki), this trail is home to the world-famous 'Goblin Forest'—a place where the trees seem to have a life of their own and every branch is draped in a velvet cloak of emerald moss.
At just 1.9 kilometres, this track is the perfect "bite-sized" adventure for families, photographers, and anyone looking to soak up the unique atmosphere of Egmont National Park without needing a full day of hiking gear. It is an easy, rewarding loop that proves you don’t have to climb to the summit to experience the true magic of this mountain.
Your journey begins at the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre, a hub of history and information perched high on the mountainside. From here, the Ridge Loop Track leads you straight into an environment that feels remarkably primeval. The terrain is a gentle, steady meander uphill, gaining about 86 metres in elevation—just enough to get the heart pumping but easy enough for little legs to manage with ease.
The star of the show is, undoubtedly, the forest itself. You’ll find yourself walking through a subalpine wonderland dominated by ancient kāmahi trees. Unlike the straight, tall trunks you might see elsewhere, the kāmahi here are twisted, gnarled, and bent into impossible shapes. This "Goblin Forest" effect occurs because many of these trees began their lives growing on top of other trees or logs that have since rotted away, leaving the kāmahi standing on "stilts" of tangled roots.
The path is well-formed and easy to follow, but it retains a sense of rugged adventure. About midway through, you’ll encounter the Kapuni Stream. This is a beautiful spot to pause and listen to the water rushing over volcanic boulders. While parts of the stream are unbridged, requiring a bit of fun rock-hopping, there is an alternative route with a bridge available if the water levels are high after a typical Taranaki downpour. It’s these little moments of interaction with the landscape that make the walk feel like a true New Zealand bush experience.
The loop takes most people around an hour to 80 minutes to complete, though if you’re like most visitors, you’ll spend at least twenty minutes just trying to capture the perfect photo of the moss-covered branches.
Free parking is available at the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre car park, which serves as the trailhead. While generally spacious, it can become busy on fine summer weekends, particularly when visitors flock to Wilkies Pools. Arriving earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon is recommended for easier parking. Public toilets are available 24 hours a day at the car park.
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
Anthornis melanura
Renowned for its melodious, bell-like song, it plays a vital role in pollinating native plants.
Best time: Year-round
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Loop
The Goblin Forest is the undisputed highlight. The way the light filters through the canopy, illuminating the hanging lichens and thick carpets of moss, is nothing short of ethereal. It’s a photographer’s dream, especially on misty days when the fog rolls in and the forest truly earns its "whimsical" reputation.
Keep an eye out for the giants of the forest. Among the twisted kāmahi, you’ll spot towering rimu and kahikatea trees standing like ancient sentinels. The undergrowth is a lush tapestry of native ferns, including the impressive mamaku (black tree fern) and ponga (silver fern), which create a dense, multi-layered green world.
While the loop itself is spectacular, its proximity to other landmarks is a major drawcard. The track is often walked in conjunction with the Wilkies Pools Loop Track. These pools were formed by 20,000-year-old lava flows, and the geological contrast between the lush forest and the smooth, scoured rock of the pools is fascinating. And, of course, you can't visit this area without taking the short five-minute stroll to see Dawson Falls (Te Rere o Noke) itself—an 18-metre drop that is one of the most accessible and beautiful waterfalls in the region.
To find the trailhead, head towards the town of Stratford and follow Manaia Road all the way to the end. The road winds its way up the mountain, offering glimpses of the peak on a clear day, before terminating at the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre.
There is a spacious, free car park at the centre which serves as the starting point for several tracks, including the Ridge Loop. On fine summer weekends, this area can get incredibly popular as locals and tourists alike head for the rock pools and waterfalls. If you’re visiting during the peak season, we recommend arriving before 10:00 am or after 3:00 pm to secure a park easily.
For peace of mind, there are public toilets available 24 hours a day at the car park, and the Visitor Centre staff are incredibly helpful if you need a last-minute weather update or a map.
The Ridge Loop Track is a fantastic place for birdwatching, as the dense forest provides a rich habitat for many of New Zealand’s native species. As you walk, keep your ears open for the "natural symphony" of the bush.
The most common residents are the Tūī and the Bellbird (Korimako). You’ll likely hear them before you see them; their complex, melodic whistles echo beautifully through the trees. Look for the white tuft under the Tūī's chin or the olive-green flash of the Bellbird.
You are also very likely to be joined by the Fantail (Pīwakawaka). These friendly little birds often follow hikers, flitting about just a few metres away to catch the tiny insects stirred up by your footsteps. In the quieter sections of the track, look for the Tomtit (Miromiro), a small bird with a distinctive white or yellow breast that often perches sideways on tree trunks.
While the North Island Brown Kiwi does live in the park, they are nocturnal and very shy, making a sighting exceptionally rare during the day. However, if you are lucky enough to be in the area at dusk, you might just hear their piercing calls echoing from the shadows.
The Ridge Loop Track is truly a year-round destination, with each season offering a different perspective on the landscape:
The area surrounding Dawson Falls holds deep significance. Known to Māori as Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki, the park is a sacred landscape. For the local iwi (tribes), Taranaki Maunga is an ancestor, and the forest is seen as a living link to the past. The name 'Dawson Falls' honours an early European explorer, but the waterfall's Māori name, Te Rere o Noke, refers to a story of a fugitive named Noke who hid behind the curtain of water to escape his pursuers.
The "Goblin Forest" isn't just a catchy name for tourists; it’s a recognized botanical phenomenon. The unique growing conditions—high rainfall, volcanic soil, and the specific altitude—allow the mosses and liverworts to thrive in a way that is rarely seen elsewhere in New Zealand.
Geologically, you are walking on the remnants of ancient volcanic activity. The very ground beneath your feet was shaped by eruptions and debris flows from the mountain over thousands of years. This history is written into the stones of the Kapuni Stream and the gnarled roots of the kāmahi.
Once you’ve finished the loop and returned to your car, you’ll likely have worked up an appetite.
If you want to stay on the mountain, the Dawson Falls Mountain Lodge is just a stone's throw from the Visitor Centre. It’s one of the oldest lodges in New Zealand and offers a cozy, historic atmosphere where you can grab a coffee or a meal while looking out over the forest you just explored.
If you’re heading back down towards the coast, stop in at The Shakee Pear in Stratford. It’s a local favourite for hikers, offering great coffee, generous slices of cake, and a lovely garden area. It’s the perfect place to sit back, scroll through your photos of the twisted trees, and plan your next Taranaki adventure.
Whether you're a local looking for a weekend stroll or a visitor wanting to see the "wild side" of New Zealand, the Ridge Loop Track is a magical experience that stays with you long after you've left the forest.
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
This large, colourful native pigeon (Kererū) is vital for forest regeneration, dispersing seeds of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Year-round
Ninox novaeseelandiae
Native owl also known as Ruru. Named for its distinctive two-note call heard at night.
Best time: Year-round
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Apteryx mantelli
The kiwi is New Zealand's national icon, a nocturnal and flightless bird known for its long, sensitive beak with nostrils at the tip, used to sniff out food.
Best time: Year-round