Wilkies Pools – Egmont National Park, Taranaki
Wilkies Pools – Egmont National Park, Taranaki
High on the northern slopes of Mount Taranaki, Wilkies Pools are a series of crystal-clear alpine basins carved into smooth volcanic rock. Fed by icy mountain streams, the pools tumble gently from one level to the next, creating natural plunge pockets framed by moss, ferns, and rainforest canopy.
The water here is unmistakably alpine — cool, clean, and energising. On warm summer days, the pools offer a bracing swim beneath towering cliffs of dark volcanic stone. After heavy rain, the cascades strengthen and the rock channels glisten, transforming the basins into miniature waterfalls.
The setting feels untouched and elemental. Twisted kamahi trees lean over the stream, and the surrounding forest hums with birdsong. Every surface is softened by moss and mist, giving the entire gorge a quiet, almost enchanted quality. Explore more New Zealand swimming spots in our travel guides.
Discover More with Swim New Zealand
Wilkies Pools is featured in Swim New Zealand – North Island, a curated guide to the country's most dramatic freshwater swims — from geothermal streams to alpine plunge pools beneath volcanoes like Taranaki. Browse all our New Zealand travel guides.
Map & Navigation
Google Maps:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Wilkies+Pools
Closest Carpark:
Dawson Falls Visitor Centre car park (Egmont National Park).
Facilities include:
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Toilets
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Visitor centre
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Picnic tables
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Clearly marked walking tracks
How to Get There
Wilkies Pools are located within Egmont National Park (Te Papakura o Taranaki) on the eastern side of Mount Taranaki.
Driving Directions:
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From Stratford: Approx. 30 minutes via Pembroke Road.
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From Hāwera: Approx. 50 minutes.
Drive to Dawson Falls Visitor Centre and park in the main car park.
From there:
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Follow signs for the Wilkies Pools Loop Track.
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The track is easy and family-friendly.
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Expect boardwalk sections and gentle gradients.
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Walking time: approx. 20–30 minutes return.
You'll hear the cascading water before the pools appear through the forest.
Seasonal Conditions
Best Season:
Late spring to early autumn for comfortable swimming temperatures.
Water Temperature:
Cold alpine stream — refreshing year-round.
After Rain:
Water flow increases significantly; rock surfaces become slippery.
Winter:
Atmospheric and misty, but swimming is very cold.
Safety Notes
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Rock surfaces are smooth and slippery.
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Water levels rise quickly after rainfall.
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No lifeguards.
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Mountain weather changes rapidly.
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Wear sturdy footwear for the walk.
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Avoid jumping into unknown depths.
For official updates:
Department of Conservation (DOC):
https://www.doc.govt.nz/
