Last Updated: 21st May 2024
Wilkie and The Enchanted Ridge
Last Updated: 21st May 2024
Grunt Factor: 17 ?
Gnarl Factor: 48 ?
9.3km
495m
495m
1100m
Last Updated: 21st May 2024
Last Updated: 21st May 2024
Grunt Factor: 17 ?
Gnarl Factor: 48 ?
9.3km
495m
495m
1100m
Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Undulating, some big hills
Native bush
Volcanic
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +11.60%
Average Downhill Gradient: -13.70%
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3:00
Slow
2:00
Moderate
1:20
Fast
Set off from the DOC sign just above the visitor centre, signed towards Wilkies Pools. The first section is wide, buggy-friendly track with some boardwalk. When you reach Wilkies Pools, cross the bridge (hopefully here you get a clear view of Mt Taranaki), and fork left following signs for the Stratford Plateau.
The track then follows the contour level-ish for a kilometer or so. You'll pass two opportunities to turn right, but take the left/straight on option each time until you reach the Stratford Plateau car park (also a good base for a couple of other trail loops). There are toilets here if you need them. Turn back up the track you just arrived along and run back to the first junction, where you turn left down the Enchanted Track. This is a lovely narrow spur which descends steeply (some steps and roots). At the junction at the base turn right (signed Waingongoro Hut).
The track flattens, then gradually climbs to a swing bridge. On the far side of the bridge you have the option of a quick detour to Waingongoro Hut, but turn right for the main route which climbs gently onwards. Take a left at the next two junctions, along the Ridge Loop Track until you reach a final bridge and then pop out on the road just below the car park. It's 200m up the road to the Visitor Centre where you began, with the option of a quick look at the historic Dawson Falls power station on your right.
Wilkie's Pools on Kapuni Stream, a couple of swing bridges, historic Dawson Falls power station (a 2 min detour as you return to the car park).
Dawson Falls Car park (Start point), Stratford Plateau Car Park - Both Flushing toilet options. Short track detour to Waingongoro Hut for Long drop.
Good and safe parking, but can get busy.
23 km
25 minutes
No
No
Easy.
The route is generally easy to follow, with signs at every junction.
Generally good.
Short-sleeved thermal top, Windproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
Water is available at the start/end of the route, and at several minor stream crossings along the way.
Mostly sheltered in the bush, but could get muddy after rain.
Some sections may get slightly overgrown at times.
Dawson Falls Mountain Lodge & Cafe
At the carpark/Visitor Centre where you start and finish your run
https://www.dawsonfalls.co.nz/
Delicious blueberry crumble right at the end of your run.
Do you have another suggestion on where to go afterwards for the best coffee / cake / breakfast / brunch / beer?
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We did a slight variation by going up the Ridge Track first, along to the Plateau, then upo to the skifield - the swingbridge there is quite spectacular. Then back down Enchanted, Waingongoro, back up Ridge and then down Wilkies so we could have a swim at the end! Highly recommended! It was a stunner of a day and an awesome trail. Varied terrain, fabulous views - we could see right over to Ruapehu. Can totally see why Enchanted track has its name - what a beautiful forest, goblin trees dripping with lichen. It was quite overgrown - poles were best used for parting the vegetation to see the trail!
January 7
I prefer to run this track anti clockwise (opposite to description). The steepness of enchanted track and a couple of eroded sections are easier to climb up than scrambled down. Also recommend a dip at Wilkies pools just before the final stretch to the car park
November 5, 2023
Beautiful track, well marked, clear instructions. Great views from the ridge, fun technical descent, really high Swingbridge, goblin forest and waterfalls to finish. All the goods! Wouldn’t class this as beginner though. More than half the track is highly technical and it is remote and exposed in places. And the times seem overly optimistic - I doubt even Kilian could finish this in 45 minutes!
January 18, 2021
Great loop course. Great instructions. Easy to follow all the way and very well sign posted. The Enchanted track was a highlight. The forest here is dripping with moss laden trees. The narrow overgrown trail winds downhill. Ferns are sometimes waist high. When we got to the one person swing bridge I almost didn’t look up and nearly missed an amazing view of Mt Taranaki.
December 6, 2020
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