Nutshell

• Location:Taranaki
• Access: Dawson Falls Visitor Centre, Manaia Road, South Taranaki
• DOC Duration:  1hr 30 mins one way        Forest Family NZ: 1hr 30minutes with plenty of short stops and one long stop at the swing bridge. 3 adults and 3 kids aged, 9, 8 and 7.
• Highlights/Features: Mount Taranaki (Egmont), Waterfalls, River crossing, views of Mount Taranaki’s Peak and Ruapehu in the distance, 24m high Waingongoro swing bridge, which is only 5 minutes from the hut, which has a fireplace, and a water supply (though boiling before drinking recommended).
• Notes/Tips: The extra 15 minute walk to wilkies pools is definitely worth it and a great place for an icy dip if you are up for it; also its a good idea to take this route if the rivers are high and impassable as there is a lovely bridge with views. Also note that along the end of the track and to the edge of the hut, just in a bit from the tree line there is the very large steep drop into the river valley, eeeek.

• To read about our experience at this hut click here