Kapuni Loop @ Toptracks.info

Where is it? From the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre you can walk this track in either direction. Immediately below the main car park on the left of the road to Konini Lodge is one entrance, the other is 100 metres back down the access road on the river side. These notes are if walking in an anticlockwise direction. This appears better at the moment as the most difficult part of the track is encountered when going down, and you finish on the safest side of the road for walking. Going clockwise has a tame finish. Anyway, begin below the main car park and follow along beside the road to the back of the Konini Lodge. The track enters the forest at the far left corner of the building. Some of the steps are large, some are roots of trees, so care is required. When you arrive at the road, the track continues on the other side, about 20m further down. From the lookout are great views of the falls. For those with energy a side track allows you to get wet at the foot of the falls. After climbing back up, continue on the loop, continuing straight on when a side track to the left offers a chance to go out to the road. Ensure children are not tempted to go down into the stream, as at this point the water goes straight over the edge. Continue on to the beginning of the Ridge Track, which is a good extension for those who are older and more energetic. Everyone though should walk the first 50m of this to the bridge across the stream to see the narrow channel the water (or sand in the water) has carved in the rock. Return back to the junction and out to the road. Only 100m further up, past the power station, and you will be back at the Visitor Centre.
Features The Falls obviously. There is good variety on this walk from flora to water. Accessibility The length and ease with which this track can be walked, should allow children of all ages to walk it. However there is some scrambling required up, or down, some of the steps at the Konini Lodge end, so walking with crutches is probably out. The track is in good condition with surprisingly little mud. It is slightly overgrown in places but this just adds to the tactile experience!
Dangers There was one place that did cause some concern. Above the Falls is a nosey parker track down into the stream that feeds the falls. If kids got down there, or slipped, it wouldn’t be nice. Children need to know that they must stay on the main tracks. Having an adult posted at this place would be most wise. You also walk on the road to or from the river, so care is required here, and above when crossing above the lookout. Additional Notes The Department of Conservation web site has some information in an excellent PDF file called Egmont National Park. There are also pupil activities at the end of this, see below. Kapuni (pp 13, activities 29,6,30,8,12,22,31,20) http://www.doc.govt.nz/getting-involved/for-teachers/field-trip-resources/ field-trips-by-region/wanganui/egmont-national-park/teaching-resource/ This information gathered while on site in 2004.

Where is it?

From the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre you can walk this track in either direction. Immediately below the main car park on the left of the road to Konini Lodge is one entrance, the other is 100 metres back down the access road on the river side.

These notes are if walking in an anticlockwise direction. This appears better at the moment as the most difficult part of the track is encountered when going down, and you finish on the safest side of the road for walking. Going clockwise has a tame finish.

Anyway, begin below the main car park and follow along beside the road to the back of the Konini Lodge. The track enters the forest at the far left corner of the building. Some of the steps are large, some are roots of trees, so care is required. When you arrive at the road, the track continues on the other side, about 20m further down. From the lookout are great views of the falls. For those with energy a side track allows you to get wet at the foot of the falls.

After climbing back up, continue on the loop, continuing straight on when a side track to the left offers a chance to go out to the road. Ensure children are not tempted to go down into the stream, as at this point the water goes straight over the edge. Continue on to the beginning of the Ridge Track, which is a good extension for those who are older and more energetic. Everyone though should walk the first 50m of this to the bridge across the stream to see the narrow channel the water (or sand in the water) has carved in the rock. Return back to the junction and out to the road. Only 100m further up, past the power station, and you will be back at the Visitor Centre.


Kapuni Loop Track
DoC recommended times and track type:
60-90 minutes
day walk
This short one hour long walk below the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre provides a quick introduction to the terrain, flora, and fauna. It is also the track to use to see and feel, the 18m Dawson Falls.