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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -39.32467, 174.10640. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- 1.4 km loop
- Walking time
- 1 hr
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Dawson Falls area / Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
Walk through mountain rainforest and past the picturesque Dawson Falls.
This DOC directory entry covers Kapuni Loop Track in Taranaki, within Dawson Falls area / Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 1.4 km loop
- Walking time: 1 hr
- DOC grade: Easy
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
Kapuni Loop Track begins 75 m down Manaia Road from the visitor centre.
From Manaia Road, the track descends along the Kapuni Stream through 'goblin forest' passing the short steep track to the base of Dawson Falls/Te Rere o Noke (18 m).
Continue past the falls lookout point, cross Manaia Road and head uphill through forest to return to the visitor centre car park.
Take care when crossing the Kapuni Stream as the river bank may be eroded, making access difficult. There is no bridge across this stream. It may be impassable after heavy rain.
Getting there
The track starts at the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre.
To get there starting from Stratford, turn off SH23 into Celia Street, which becomes Opunake Road. Follow this for 14 km, then turn right into Manaia Road.
Continue on this road for 9 km up the mountain to Dawson Falls Visitor Centre.
Know before you go
Be ready for changeable weather
Taranaki Maunga has changeable and unpredictable weather. Check the forecast and carry enough clothing and equipment to ensure you are able to cope with any type of weather, at any time of the year.
Snow, high rainfall and storm damage can make tracks impassable.
Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki weather forecast – NIWA website
Take extra care on the access road
Take care when travelling up Manaia Road to Dawson Falls road end as there may be increased traffic and heavy goods vehicles.
Dawson Falls Lodge is being redeveloped at Dawson Falls road end. The Lodge and café are closed during this work.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
