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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: -41.03219, 172.90104. 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
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 10 min one way
- Track grade
- Easiest
- Location
- Kahurangi National Park / Motueka area
- Seasonal restrictions
- The steps down to the resurgence and surrounding rocks can be underwater during floods.
- 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 to the cave and deep, clear pool where the Riuwaka River emerges from the depths of the Tākaka Hill.
This DOC directory entry covers Te Puna Wai o Riuwaka/Riuwaka Resurgence in Tasman, within Kahurangi National Park / Motueka 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: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time: 10 min one way
- DOC grade: Easiest
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.
Seasonal restrictions
The steps down to the resurgence and surrounding rocks can be underwater during floods.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
The north branch of the Riuwaka River pours out of the cave-riddled marble of Tākaka Hill in this beautiful area of Kahurangi National Park. Damp forest, clear cold water, tranquil pools, and moss-covered and water-worn marble rock create a fairyland quality.
A short path leads through the forest to where the river emerges. There is wheelchair access as far as Crystal Pool (5 min).
Other attractions include picnicking, walking and fishing.
For a view down to the resurgence, drive up to Hawkes Lookout on Tākaka Hill. A five-minute path takes you through bush and marble outcrops to a spectacular viewpoint. Hawkes Lookout is on State Highway 60, 10 km from Riwaka.
Getting there
The Riuwaka Resurgence is 11 km from Riwaka township and 16 km from Motueka.
From Riwaka, travel north-west on SH60 toward Tākaka.
Just before the climb over the Tākaka Hill, the road splits in two, with the signposted road to the Resurgence off to the left.
Travel 7 km along this gently winding, but easy, flat road, to the park beside the start of the track.
Know before you go
A wheelchair user will need assistance on the track.
Supervise children at all times.
Dogs and camping are not permitted.
The rocks in the riverbed are very slippery. The steps down to the resurgence and surrounding rocks can be underwater during floods.
History and culture
Te Puna o Riuwaka is of particular cultural significance to the people of Te Atiawa, Ngati Rarua and Ngati Tama, who recognise it as wahi tapu, a sacred place.
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.
