Last updated November 2026
The Dawson Falls to Stratford Plateau tracks link the Dawson Falls and Stratford Plateau road ends in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki, giving you a choice of a one-way climb to the Stratford Plateau or a longer circuit back to Dawson Falls. Both options start at the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre car park and begin on the Wilkies Pools Loop Track.
DOC grades the tracks Advanced: the one-way walk to the Plateau takes about 1 hr 20 min over 3.1 km, and the circuit via the Enchanted and Waingongoro tracks takes 3 hr 30 min to 4 hr over 7.8 km.
The circuit passes close to Waingongoro Hut and crosses a swing bridge high above the Waingongoro Stream. Dawson Falls is about 29 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 - Stratford Plateau tracks on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Dawson Falls Visitor Centre car park, top of Manaia Road
- Distance from the city
- about 29 km from New Plymouth
- Walking time
- 1 hr 20 min one way to the Plateau, or 3 hr 30 min to 4 hr for the circuit
- Track length
- 3.1 km one way to the Plateau, or 7.8 km for the circuit
- Grade
- Advanced
- Dogs
- No Dogs
- Huts
- Waingongoro Hut (DOC hut, a 5 minute detour on the circuit)
- 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 the Dawson Falls to Stratford Plateau Tracks
Both routes leave the Dawson Falls car park on the Wilkies Pools Loop Track, walking through forest to a series of pools and cascades scoured out of the lava. Beyond the pools you meet the high level Around the Mountain track and turn left towards the Plateau.
The climb heads northeast through mountain totara and cedar, then breaks out into subalpine scrub near the Stratford Plateau car park at East Egmont. DOC notes there is a toilet, picnic spot and lookout at the Plateau, but no public shelter. If you only walk one way, you will need transport waiting at the Plateau.
The circuit continues on towards the Plateau, then descends the steep Enchanted Track, crosses an unbridged stream and heads towards Waingongoro Hut.
After the swing bridge over the Waingongoro Stream you can take a 5 minute detour to the hut, or climb the rough track steadily uphill to the Ridge Track junction and follow the signs back to the visitor centre.
DOC grades both options as an Advanced tramping track, with overgrown sections, erosion and stream crossings to expect.
Track Conditions and Safety
DOC warns that the tracks have overgrown sections, particularly the Enchanted Track, and areas of erosion. Stay on the track: the area has old mining excavations from prospecting days that are hard to see and can be a fall hazard, so supervise children closely.
Not all streams are bridged, and they can become impassable after heavy rain. After heavy rain the unbridged crossing on the lower Wilkies Pools Track may be impassable, so be prepared to detour to the bridge on the upper Wilkies Pools Track, or cross the bridge at the bottom of the Ridge Track to connect with the Kapuni Track. The swing bridge hangs 24 m above the Waingongoro Stream, which DOC notes is a challenge for some people.
Weather on the mountain changes rapidly, and snow, high rainfall and storm damage can make tracks impassable. Check DOC and the forecast before you go, tell someone your plans, and use Plan My Walk to prepare.
Getting There
From Stratford, turn off State Highway 23 into Celia Street, which becomes Opunake Road. Follow it for 14 km, turn right into Manaia Road and continue about 9 km up the mountain to the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Dawson Falls – Stratford Plateau tracks: 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: other walks from the Dawson Falls road end, including the Wilkies Pools Loop Track.
Plan My Walk: plan your trip, check the weather and track alerts, and share your plans with someone you trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the walk from Dawson Falls to the Stratford Plateau take?
DOC allows about 1 hr 20 min one way over 3.1 km. The circuit back to Dawson Falls via the Enchanted and Waingongoro tracks takes 3 hr 30 min to 4 hr over 7.8 km.
How hard are these tracks?
They are graded Advanced. Expect overgrown sections, erosion, unbridged streams and a high swing bridge.
Where do the tracks start?
At the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre car park at the top of Manaia Road. Both routes begin on the Wilkies Pools Loop Track.
Is there a hut on the way?
Yes. Waingongoro Hut, a DOC hut, is a 5 minute detour from the circuit after the swing bridge over the Waingongoro Stream.
Are dogs allowed?
No. DOC’s rule for these tracks is No Dogs.
Is there shelter at the Stratford Plateau?
DOC says there is a toilet, picnic spot and lookout at the Plateau, but no public shelter.
What if the stream is up?
The unbridged crossing on the lower Wilkies Pools Track can be impassable after heavy rain. DOC suggests detouring to the bridge on the upper Wilkies Pools Track or the bridge at the bottom of the Ridge Track. If in doubt, turn back.
Are the tracks open?
They were 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.