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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: -38.91252, 174.82945. 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
- 14 km to the falls one way
- Walking time
- 7 hr 30 min - 9 hr
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Mount Damper and Waitaanga Conservation Area
- 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
This track to Te Rerepahupahu Falls is recommended for fit and experienced trampers only.
This DOC directory entry covers Mount Damper to Te Rerepahupahu Falls track in Taranaki, within Mount Damper and Waitaanga Conservation Area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 14 km to the falls one way
- Walking time: 7 hr 30 min - 9 hr
- DOC grade: Advanced
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
This track is recommended for fit and experienced trampers. Expect tree windfalls, overgrown sections and missing track markers. Allow extra time for route finding.
It is the longest of the Waitaanga Forest walks and is an overnight trip.
The 15 min Mt Damper Falls Walk is well marked and leads to a lookout platform at the 74 m falls. From the falls follow the signpost, then white poles to the stile and entrance to the Waitaanga Forest. Follow the disc markers to the left. There are extensive views over the Waitaanga Forest to the Kotare Scenic Reserve in the north.
After 1 hr 30 min the track climbs a small spur through regenerating kamahi, reaching the main ridge 30 min later. The track then enters tawa forest interspersed with mature rimu and rata. You reach Mt Damper after 2 hr 30 min - 3 hr. The summit marker (528 m) is on a side ridge to the left of the track.
After 6 hr the track descends to the Waitaanga River Valley. South from the ridge are views of the beech forest in the Tatu track region. After a further 30 min, the track comes to the edge of a high bluff with a view of one of the last remaining unlogged mixed podocarp forests in Taranaki.
Descend to the river valley and cross the swingbridge. Turn left and walk for 45 min to the next track junction, where you turn left again to Te Rerepahupahu Falls. There is a small clearing beside the falls to camp in. There are no other facilities.
The next day return to Mt Damper Falls carpark via the same track (7 hr 30 min). Or with prior transport arrangements, continue out on:
- Waitaanga South Road to Rerepahupahu Falls Track (4 hr 30 min)
Getting there
The route starts from Mt Damper Falls carpark on the Okau Road off SH3 north of New Plymouth.
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.
