11 October 2026
Fine spells, but a shower or two before late afternoon.
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1 / 24Dawson Falls area
Kapuni Loop Track to Dawson Falls
Walk through mountain rainforest and past the picturesque Dawson Falls.
Distance
1.4 km
Walking time
1 hr
Difficulty
Easy
Dogs
Not allowed
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
Outdoor alert
Outdoor alert
Weather outlook
Mount Egmont National Park forecast
Issued 11 Oct 2026, 7:33 am
12 October 2026
Cloud about the terrain lifting in the morning and becoming mainly fine. Isolated afternoon showers then clouding over again in the evening with late drizzle.
13 October 2026
Showers, some heavy in the morning.
14 October 2026
A few showers turning to rain.
15 October 2026
Heavy rain easing to showers. Snow lowering to 1300 metres.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Kapuni Loop Track to Dawson Falls on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Kapuni Loop Track to Dawson Falls
Starting from Dawson Falls Visitor Centre, follow the road 50m downhill where you’ll be able to hear Kāpuni Stream, which drives the generator that provides electricity for the Dawson Falls Tourist Lodge. A short detour takes you to the Dawson Falls Power Station. To continue to the Falls, return to the road and then follow Kāpuni Loop Track. The falls were named after Thomas Dawson, the first European to discover this 18 m high waterfall in 1885. To Māori they are known as Te Rere o Noke or the Falls of Noke, a Māori warrior who hid from his pursuers behind the falls. After climbing back up from the falls, Kāpuni Loop Track then crosses the road and contours up and around to Konini Lodge before arriving back at the carpark below the Visitor Centre.
Essential information for Kapuni Loop Track to Dawson Falls
After rain, the Kāpuni Loop Track can be slippery and is muddy in places. Take care when descending the stairs down to the falls.
Getting there for Kapuni Loop Track to Dawson Falls
In Stratford, turn off SH23 into Celia Street, which becomes Opunake Road. Follow this for 14 km, then turn right into Manaia Road and travel 9 km up the mountain to Dawson Falls visitor centre where there is a large car park. The track then begins by following the road back downhill until you see the signs. Use this location in Google Maps to find your way there.
Helpful resources
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . Level up in your outdoor knowledge with these interactive online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel .
Dog access for Kapuni Loop Track to Dawson Falls
No dogs.
Before you walk Kapuni Loop Track to Dawson Falls
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.