Wilkies Pools — Attraction in Taranaki

One of our absolute favourite walks is up to Wilkies Pools. It’s only a couple of kilometres round trip but you pass through some of the most exquisite sub-alpine rainforest in the world. This means the mature tress have been miniaturised by the altitude and cold and the visual effect is simply stunning.

The pools were formed 20,000 years and have been smoothed by sand and gravel and the water is crystal clear and cold 7.8c on the day David jumped in here. “Yes it’s cold but totally refreshing and bearable, I’m definitely in every trip up there from now on.

They were discovered by a couple of farming brothers in the late 19th century and the most important thing is they now look absolutely as they were on that day. Over a hundred years of tourism has not diminished their pristine beauty one iota. In this day and age that is something really astonishing. If you come and stay at The Old Eltham Post Office Helena Suite we will...

I've just discovered this delightful place! We came here with family that included grandparents and a four year old and managed the track easily. We took about 30 minutes to go in and the same on the return, at a DAWDLING speed. The surface is well maintained, almost all of its artificially surfaced, at a very easy gradient. The bush is interesting. Lots of moss on the track side and festooning trees. Heard a tui early on. The pools are so good! We spent an hour there. The kids really enjoyed wading in the icy water and clambering over rocks. Restful and charming scenery. Just bush, a view of the mountain and a body creek. Who could ask for more on a sunny day! It's a place we will definitely bring future visitors to. Highly...

An absolutely beautiful hike out to see this small waterfall and pools. The suspension bridge was pretty amazing to see and to walk across. The trail is well developed and easy to walk, and well marked. It does not take long to reach the pools from the parking area. The full loop is about 2.4 kilometers (about 1.5 miles) so it isn’t too strenuous. In warmer weather, soaking in the small pools is definitely an option, so consider wearing your bathing suit. The rocks can be very slippery, so wear some sort of beach or wading shoes and be careful. Be sure to add this loop walk to your “must do” list in Egmont...