Last updated November 2026
The Ridge Loop Track is a loop from the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre that meanders uphill through subalpine forest, crosses the Kapuni Stream and returns along a ridge to Manaia Road. It begins on the Wilkies Pools Loop Track before branching off to rock hop across the stream.
DOC grades it Easy and allows 1 hr 20 min for the loop. The Kapuni Stream crossing has no bridge and may be impassable after heavy rain, so DOC gives an alternative route. 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 Ridge Loop Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Dawson Falls Visitor Centre, top of Manaia Road
- Distance from the city
- about 29 km from New Plymouth
- Walking time
- 1 hr 20 min loop
- Track length
- 1.9 km loop
- Grade
- Easy
- Dogs
- No Dogs
- Track type
- Walking track
- 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 Ridge Loop Track
The Ridge Loop includes a stream crossing and a return down the ridge. Start on the Wilkies Pools Loop Track, then turn right at the first junction to cross the Kapuni Stream, rock hopping from one side to the other.
Continue to the next junction and turn right up a short, steep track to join the Ridge Track. Turn right again and follow the ridge down through the subalpine forest, crossing a bridge over the Kapuni Stream to reach Manaia Road just below the visitor centre.
Crossing the Kapuni Stream
DOC warns that there is no bridge at the first Kapuni Stream crossing, that the river bank may be eroded, making access difficult, and that the stream may be impassable after heavy rain.
If it is flooded, go back to the Wilkies Pools Track junction, turn right and continue up to the pools and across the bridge there. From the pools, follow the signs towards the Stratford Plateau, then turn right to descend the Ridge Track.
Taranaki Maunga has changeable weather at any time of year, so check the forecast, carry warm and waterproof layers, and check the DOC page for alerts before you go.
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.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC asked drivers to take extra 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.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Ridge Loop 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: other walks from the Dawson Falls road end, including the Wilkies Pools Loop Track.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Ridge Loop Track take?
DOC allows 1 hr 20 min for the loop from the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Easy. It includes a short steep section and an unbridged stream crossing where you rock hop across the Kapuni Stream.
Where does it start?
At the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre at the top of Manaia Road. Follow the Wilkies Pools Loop Track and turn right at the first junction.
What if the Kapuni Stream is flooded?
Don’t cross. DOC suggests returning to the Wilkies Pools Track junction, continuing up to the pools and the bridge, then following signs towards the Stratford Plateau and turning right down the Ridge Track.
Are dogs allowed?
No. DOC’s rule for this track is No Dogs.
Is the Dawson Falls café open?
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC said Dawson Falls Lodge and its café were closed while the Lodge is redeveloped. Check DOC for the latest.
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.