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Trail · Motueka, Tasman
Te Puna Wai o Riuwaka (Riuwaka Resurgence)
Short trail in Kahurangi National Park to the cave and the clear-water pool where the north arm of the Riuwaka River emerges from inside Mount Tākaka, among moss-covered marble rocks. A sacred place for local Māori.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Te Puna Wai o Riuwaka (Riuwaka Resurgence)
Te Puna Wai o Riuwaka is at the end of the Riuwaka River valley, inside Kahurangi National Park, about 16 km from Motueka. There the river’s north arm issues from inside Mount Tākaka, a marble massif full of caves and fissures through which rainwater flows underground. This type of spring is called a resurgence: the river disappears under the rock and reappears at the foot of the mountain.
The trail is easy and takes about 10 minutes each way, through wet forest, calm pools and marble rocks smoothed by water and covered in moss. The first section, to the Crystal Pool, is wheelchair accessible, with assistance required beyond that point. A map at the trailhead shows how divers explored the river’s underground passage in 1963.
The spring is wahi tapu, a sacred place, for the Te Atiawa, Ngāti Rārua and Ngāti Tama peoples, and the trail entrance has a Māori welcome gateway. Visitors are asked to treat the place with respect.
To view the valley from above, follow State Highway 60 to Hawkes Lookout on Mount Tākaka, 10 km from Riwaka: a five-minute walk among marble rocks and sinkholes leads to a lookout over the Riuwaka valley and Tasman Bay.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
30 minutes to 1 hour, with a picnic.
Best time
During daytime, year-round. After heavy rain the steps and stones near the spring can be underwater; on such days check conditions before going.
How to get there
From Motueka, follow State Highway 60 to Riwaka and continue towards Tākaka. Just before the climb up Mount Tākaka, turn left onto the signed valley road and drive 7 km to the car park, which has a picnic area and toilets.
Tip
The riverbed stones are very slippery. Dogs and camping are not permitted.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Te Puna Wai o Riuwaka (Riuwaka Resurgence)
Why is the Riuwaka Spring special?
Because the river emerges fully formed from a cave in the rock, after flowing under the mountain. For the local Māori it is also a sacred place.
How long is the walk to the Riuwaka Spring?
Short: about a 20-minute return on easy ground, with the trailhead adapted for wheelchair access.
How far is Motueka from the Riuwaka Resurgence?
About 16 km: along State Highway 60 to the foot of Tākaka Hill and then another 7 km up the valley road.