Hidden Gem: Riwaka Resurgence Walk

The Takaka Hill, rising high above you has a network of cracks and caves which act as an underground drainage system. It has been created by the action of water dissolving the marble rock over millions of years. Rain falling on the hill is collected by this system and piped underground to resurge here at Riwaka.

Riwaka Resurgence Walk is a short loop in the Kahurangi National Park. This easy track is suitable for all ages and abilities, it goes through lush native forest, with moss-covered rocks and damp air.

Crystal-clear waters of the Riuwaka River emerge from deep underground, forming a pool so clear you can see straight through. 

Quick Facts about this walk

  • Location: Motueka, Northern tip of the South Island
  • Distance: 0.50 km
  • Time needed: 10 minutes
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Wheelchair Access: No
  • Route: Double back
  • Elevation: 68m
  • Wet Feet: No
  • Toilets: Yes
  • Dogs: No
  • Mobile Coverage: No

Summary points about this walk

Walk Highlights

The walk to the resurgence takes 10 minutes. Wheelchairs can reach the picnic area in 3 minutes and the Crystal Pool in 5 minutes.

Track Quality

Very good, can get a little muddy after a days rain though

Hazards

The water is freezing.

Water

The water out of the Resurgence is very good to drink.

Driving Instructions

From Motueka township, drive north on highway 60 as if you were driving to Takaka. At 7.8 km there is a very hard left hand corner. On your right is the road to kaiteriteri Beach. Now turn to the left and drive on for 2.1 km. This next turn off is to the left again onto Riwaka Valley Rd. This road is almost hidden from your view, so slow down. At 5.9 km you should be approaching another road on the left, Riwaka Valley Left Branch. Drive straight ahead. Do not cross over the bridge. At 8.6 km you will be in the Riwaka Resurgence car park.

Shops & Restaurants Nearby

Shopping in Motueka

Map Location

Points of interest along the walk​

Riwaka Resurgence Walk - Start
Riwaka Resurgence Walk - Start

Start of the Riwaka Resurgence Walk

A very comfortable drive out to Riwaka Valley. If you are looking for a relaxing place to have a picnic this is the place for you.

The first photo is of the Riwaka Valley and was taken from the Hawks Lookout. Looking at the bottom right hand corner of this photo, that is where the car park is located.

There is a very big picnic area around the car park. Plus you will have no problem finding a spot to sit and dangle your feet in the creek and listen to the native birds singing in the trees, what more could you could wish for?

Riwaka Resurgence Walk - Points 2
Riwaka Resurgence Walk - Points 2
Riwaka Resurgence Walk - Points 2

Point 2: Riwaka Resurgence Walk

At the start of the track, there is a good information board there for you to read. The next picnic area is just a short 3 minute walk up the creek.

This short section is meant to be wheelchair friendly. Well, that is if you happen to have a 4×4 wheel chain in the boot of your car. So if you are looking for a very quiet and relaxing hideaway that you can drive to during the week days this is the spot. But give it a miss during the weekends it can be too noisy.

Riwaka Resurgence Walk - Points 3
Riwaka Resurgence Walk - Points 3

Point 3: Riwaka Resurgence Walk

An amazing short walk to the Resurgence is through second growth bush. This bush is not stunning, but it is cool and refreshing on a hot day.

You will see several small pools as you walk along this track. The pools do look very inviting but after the foot test, I changed my mind very quickly. The water was unbelievably cold.

Riwaka Resurgence Walk - Points 4

Point 4: Riwaka Resurgence Walk

The Resurgence, I can only say is an amazing place. The last 10m of the track is a little on the rough side.

Because the track runs into a deep gully, not a lot of sunlight can reach the ground to dry it out. So the rocks will be a bit slippery and the ground will be a little muddy in places.

See more of my walks in Motueka