Ridge Walk @ Toptracks.info

Where is it? Obviously it can be walked in either direction, this description follows an anti clockwise circuit. (If walking clockwise, begin on the Wilkies Pool track above the Visitor Centre and take the first turn to the right, about ten minutes into the forest.). From the Visitor Centre walk down the access road past the power station to where the Kapuni track enters the bush. The Ridge track proper begins a few metres in, branching to the left. Cross the stream taking note of the carved out stream bed, and begin the climb. The grade is constant through to the Waingongoro track turn off. At this point go left and descend to another track intersection, turn left to complete the loop to the visitor centre, or join the Wilkies Pool loop by going right. Either way is a river crossing, both are much the same. At either crossing follow the track markers to the other side, and continue down to the visitor centre. The remaining part of this track is wide and in good condition.
Features Provides an interesting extension to Kapuni Walk, a suitable challenge for more active middle or senior primary pupils. Accessibility The track is in excellent condition, tramping boots optional. Dangers Children could need assistance at the river crossing, particularly in getting down into the river bed where the bank has been eroded.
Additional Notes The Department of Conservation web site has some information in a PDF file called Egmont National Park. There are also pupil activities at the end of this, see below. Ridge Loop (pp 15, activities 33,14) http://www.doc.govt.nz/getting-involved/for-teachers/field-trip-resources/ field-trips-by-region/wanganui/egmont-national-park/teaching-resource/
This information was gathered while on site in 2004.

Where is it?

Obviously it can be walked in either direction, this description follows an anti clockwise circuit. (If walking clockwise, begin on the Wilkies Pool track above the Visitor Centre and take the first turn to the right, about ten minutes into the forest.). From the Visitor Centre walk down the access road past the power station to where the Kapuni track enters the bush. The Ridge track proper begins a few metres in, branching to the left.

Cross the stream taking note of the carved out stream bed, and begin the climb. The grade is constant through to the Waingongoro track turn off. At this point go left and descend to another track intersection, turn left to complete the loop to the visitor centre, or join the Wilkies Pool loop by going right. Either way is a river crossing, both are much the same. At either crossing follow the track markers to the other side, and continue down to the visitor centre. The remaining part of this track is wide and in good condition.


Ridge Walk @ Dawson Falls
DoC recommended times and track type:
60 - 90 minutes
day walk
This short loop walk begins on the falls side of the access road, 100m below the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre. It crosses the stream then ascends the ridge to near Wilkies Pools, where you can return to the visitor centre or head up (right) to Wilkies Pools which are a short distance further on. At this point a river crossing is required.