Last updated November 2026
The Dawson Falls Power Station Track is a very short walk to the historic Dawson Falls hydro electric generator, which DOC describes as “the oldest in continuous operation in New Zealand and amongst the oldest in the world”. The track leaves Manaia Road about 50 m below the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre, in the Dawson Falls area of Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki.
DOC grades it Easiest and allows 20 minutes return. It runs for about 50 m from the roadside through kamahi forest above the Kapuni Stream. It makes an easy extra stop on a visit to Dawson Falls, about 30 km from New Plymouth.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Dawson Falls Power Station Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Manaia Road, about 50 m down the road from the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre (turn left at the power station sign)
- Distance from the city
- about 30 km from New Plymouth
- Walking time
- 20 min return
- Track length
- 100 m return via the same track (about 50 m from the roadside)
- Grade
- Easiest
- Dogs
- No Dogs
- Track type
- Easy access (wheelchair)
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
- Track markers
- On marked bush tracks, DOC and most councils use orange triangles for the walking route. Triangles or tape in other colours, usually pink or blue, mark pest-control lines and traps. They can lead off the track, so don’t follow them.
About Dawson Falls Power Station Track
This is a very short walk, and its destination is a working piece of history rather than a view. The path runs from Manaia Road through kamahi forest above the Kapuni Stream, and ends at the power station that houses the Dawson Falls generator.
The generator is still running. You can watch it working through the station’s windows, and an interpretation sign at the site explains its story.
There is no loop: you return the same way you came in. There is only about 50 m of track each way, and DOC describes it as a wheelchair accessible short walk.
Getting There
The power station is near the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre at the top end of Manaia Road. From Stratford, follow Celia Street and then Opunake Road before turning onto Manaia Road and driving to the end.
Walk about 50 m back down Manaia Road from the visitor centre and turn left at the power station sign. Public transport is not available.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC’s Dawson Falls area page asked drivers to take care on Manaia Road, as there may be more traffic and heavy goods vehicles while Dawson Falls Lodge is redeveloped, and said the Lodge and café were closed during this work.
Track Conditions and Hazards
DOC points out two hazards on this short track: the small water race, and vehicles passing the track entrance on Manaia Road. Keep children close at the roadside and near the water. Check the DOC page for alerts before you go.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Dawson Falls Power Station Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Dawson Falls area: the other walks and tracks that start from the Dawson Falls road end.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Dawson Falls Power Station Track take?
DOC allows 20 minutes return. The track itself is only about 50 m long from the roadside.
How hard is the walk?
DOC grades it Easiest, its gentlest grade, and lists the track type as Easy access (wheelchair).
Where does the track start?
On Manaia Road, about 50 m down the road from the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre. Turn left at the power station sign.
Can you see the generator working?
Yes. DOC says “visitors can view the operating generator through the windows”, and there is an interpretation sign at the site.
Are dogs allowed?
No. DOC’s rule for this track is No Dogs.
How far is it from New Plymouth?
Dawson Falls is about 30 km from New Plymouth in a straight line. DOC’s directions go via Stratford, Opunake Road and Manaia Road.
Is the track open?
It was open when we checked on 18 October 2026, with no DOC alerts. Check the DOC page for current alerts before you go.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.