- Short return walk to an 18 metre waterfall in Egmont National Park, Taranaki, now officially named Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki (the well known park name is used throughout this guide)
- 2 km return, 1 to 2 hours, easy to moderate walking on gravel track, boardwalks and a few staircases
- Starts right at the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre, with free parking, toilets and picnic spots
- Dogs are not allowed on tracks in Egmont National Park
- No permits or fees required, access to Dawson Falls is free
This walk is one of the Mt Egmont Walks.
Quick facts
| Location | Egmont National Park (Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki), Taranaki |
| Distance | About 1 km return |
| Duration | 10 min one way |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate |
| Elevation gain | 120 m |
| Track type | Return, gravel and boardwalk with some steps |
| Dogs | Not allowed |
| Cost | Free, no permits needed |
Getting there
By car, Dawson Falls is about 38 km from New Plymouth, around 45 minutes drive. From Stratford it is roughly 20 km, about 30 minutes. Public transport does not run out this way, so you will need your own vehicle.
Dawson Falls Visitor Centre and facilities
Start at the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre and walk 400 m down Manaia Road to the Dawson Falls sign, then take a short stepped track down. There is free parking with plenty of space. Toilets in the car park are open 24 hours. The centre itself is open Thursday to Sunday, 9am to 3:30pm, and closed on Christmas Day, so check the current hours before you rely on it for facilities or information outside those days. Its cafe serves food and drinks Thursday to Sunday, 9am to 4pm. Inside the building you will find a section of the old Syme Hut, originally built on Fanthams Peak in 1930. Self-contained campervans and motorhomes can stay overnight in the car park, though camping is not permitted at the falls themselves.
The walk
From the Visitor Centre, the track winds through lush rainforest with occasional views out to Mount Taranaki. It’s a short, stepped descent. At the falls you can go to the base or to a lookout point.. Wooden staircases lead down to a viewing platform at the base, and these can get slippery when wet. The steps are the only real workout on this walk, everything else is a gentle stroll.
What you’ll see
Dawson Falls drops 18 metres over an old lava flow, and the roar of the water carries through the surrounding forest well before you reach the viewing platform. Native birds including wood pigeon and fantail are common along the track, and the bush closes in overhead for most of the walk. The falls are named after Thomas Dawson, who came across them in 1885, and they remain one of the most photographed spots on this side of the mountain.
Who it’s for
This is a family walk. It suits casual walkers, nature lovers and anyone short on time who still wants a proper taste of Egmont National Park. Kids manage it fine, though the steps down to the viewing platform need a hand for younger ones. It is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs, the surface gets steep and uneven in places.
When to go
Spring and summer bring the most reliable weather, but the falls run year round and look just as good in winter. Weekends and school holidays get busy, so aim for a weekday morning if you want the place to yourself.
Important stuff
Dogs are not allowed on tracks in Egmont National Park, including the walk to Dawson Falls. There are no permits or entrance fees, access is free like the rest of New Zealand’s national parks. Bikes and drones are not permitted on the track. Weather on the mountain changes fast, pack layers and wear sturdy, waterproof shoes since the boardwalks and steps get slippery after rain. Snow, heavy rain and storm damage can make tracks in the Dawson Falls area impassable, and several rivers and streams on the mountain are unbridged, so check current track and weather conditions before you head out. Mobile reception is limited once you are on the track.
Common questions
What are the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre opening hours?
The visitor centre is open Thursday to Sunday, 9am to 3:30pm, and closed on Christmas Day. Hours can change, so check current opening hours before you rely on it for facilities or information.
How long does the Dawson Falls walk take?
Most people take 1 to 2 hours for the 2 km return trip from the visitor centre to the falls and back.
Is there an entry fee for Dawson Falls?
No entry fee. Access to Dawson Falls and the surrounding tracks in Egmont National Park is free.
Are dogs allowed at Dawson Falls?
No. Dogs are not permitted on tracks in Egmont National Park to protect native wildlife.
Can you swim at Dawson Falls?
Swimming is not recommended at the falls because of strong currents and rocks.
