Riuwaka Resurgence Walkway, or Source of the Riuwaka, is a short walkway to the resurgence of the Riuwaka River from the base of Takaka Hill. The walkway passes through lush native bush alongside the cool, clear waters of Riuwaka River, to the resurgence.
Details | |
Length | 800 m return |
Time Required | 20 min return |
Trail Type | Walking track (with disabled access to Crystal Pool, halfway along walkway) |
Physical Difficulty | Very easy |
Uses | Walking |
Direction | Return (out and back) |
Dog Access | Dogs are prohibited in Kahurangi National Park |
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Riuwaka Resurgence Walkway does not connect to any other official tracks.
55 min from Nelson | 20 min from Motueka
Riuwaka Resurgence Walkway is located at the end of Riwaka Valley Rd, 16 km north of Motueka and 50 km from Nelson. Follow State Highway 60 past the Kaiteriteri junction, and turn left onto Riwaka Valley Rd at the base of Takaka Hill. The walkway is located 7 km up the gravel road, where there is a car park, toilet and grassed recreational area that is nice for picnics in summer (though no camping is permitted). The walkway enters Kahurangi National Park, so dogs are not allowed.
The walkway follows the true left of Riuwaka River North Branch through lush native bush. The first half of the walkway to Crystal Pool has wheelchair access. Shortly afterwards the walkway ends at a viewing platform that overlooks the resurgence. A stairway leads down to the water edge. The steep hillside and overhanging bush can cause the walkway to be quite shaded and cool, even in summer. The water flowing from the cave is a frigid 9°C year-round.
The resurgence is known as Te Puna o Riuwaka by local Māori, Te Ātiawa and Ngāti Rārua, and is considered wāhi tapu (sacred). Traditionally, Māori would not eat or swim at the site, and the waters were considered to have powerful healing properties. Please be respectful of this when you visit.
Riuwaka Resurgence Walkway, or Source of the Riuwaka, is a short walkway to the resurgence of the Riuwaka River from the base of Takaka Hill. The walkway passes through lush native bush alongside the cool, clear waters of Riuwaka River, to the resurgence.
Details | |
Length | 800 m return |
Time Required | 20 min return |
Trail Type | Walking track (with disabled access to Crystal Pool, halfway along walkway) |
Physical Difficulty | Very easy |
Uses | Walking |
Direction | Return (out and back) |
Dog Access | Dogs are prohibited in Kahurangi National Park |
55 min from Nelson | 20 min from Motueka
Riuwaka Resurgence Walkway is located at the end of Riwaka Valley Rd, 16 km north of Motueka and 50 km from Nelson. Follow State Highway 60 past the Kaiteriteri junction, and turn left onto Riwaka Valley Rd at the base of Takaka Hill. The walkway is located 7 km up the gravel road, where there is a car park, toilet and grassed recreational area that is nice for picnics in summer (though no camping is permitted). The walkway enters Kahurangi National Park, so dogs are not allowed.
The walkway follows the true left of Riuwaka River North Branch through lush native bush. The first half of the walkway to Crystal Pool has wheelchair access. Shortly afterwards the walkway ends at a viewing platform that overlooks the resurgence. A stairway leads down to the water edge. The steep hillside and overhanging bush can cause the walkway to be quite shaded and cool, even in summer. The water flowing from the cave is a frigid 9°C year-round.
The resurgence is known as Te Puna o Riuwaka by local Māori, Te Ātiawa and Ngāti Rārua, and is considered wāhi tapu (sacred). Traditionally, Māori would not eat or swim at the site, and the waters were considered to have powerful healing properties. Please be respectful of this when you visit.
Riuwaka Resurgence Walkway does not connect to any other official tracks.
Updated 29 January 2019