dawson falls visitor center

Take you trapping boots, it is a little bit of a hike to the falls view. It is worth the walk though. Don't forget your camera.

A long drive up to the visitor centre and then we tried to see the actual falls, however the track was steep and muddy and very few of our group actually made it to the Falls

The info was good, helpful staff, had ok toilet facilities, nothing fancy. Also has a viewing platform looking out towards Stratford.

The Falls are not very tall but plenty of power. If you are a waterfall fan you will like these. We didn't go to the visitor centre where you can park and walk from there - as it was raining we parked a bit further down the road where there is an entrance to the track and it is not very far from there to the falls. However, be warned it is not an easy walk. The steps down to the base are challenging, especially if it is a bit wet. Also be aware that most of the road to the Falls is one lane and if you meet someone coming the other way, while it may seem obvious to you to move to the left, it is not necessarily that obvious to the person coming the other way!

I came here to try to climb Phanthams Peak ,but it proved to be too difficult. However, there were so many other trails (ranging from easy, level walks to steep and quite challenging) that I was able to keep myself busy for almost 8 hours. If you want to attempt Phanthams Peak, start very early in the morning or go with a group - there is a hiking club based in nearby Stratford that organized regular hikes.

This is a good place to base yourself if you want to visit Dawson falls. there are so many tracks to cover around the base. very good one day trip.

Although it rained, we went into the forest to see the Dawson falls. We didn't regret it. They are well worth it. Already the winding but oh so beautiful way to the starting point prepares you for that.

The Falls were absolutely breathtaking ! We travelled by car and at the Visitor Centre there was plenty of parking even though there were many travellers and walkers about. The Visitor Centre was informative and the mounted rostrum for viewing the Mountain was very good. The walk to the Falls was only a few minutes and as you left the road and entered the small track, the track was good .. after a short walk we got to the Falls and although it was very dry weather, the Falls were gushing magnificently, we wondered what they might be like after heavy rains ! The trip to Dawson Falls was well worth doing, it was a little distance from Stratford but the views of the Mount Taranaki and the Dawson Falls made our effort fully worthwhile. :-)

If you choose to check out Dawson Falls you will enjoy the peach and quite on offer there. You can park your vehicle at the visitor center a 100 meters up the road. The waterfall and the walk down is very picturesque.

What a beautiful part of the Taranaki to spend a little (or a lot) of time! Ample parking, clean facilities. Great views across the region.The bush is stunning and the falls are well worth the short walk from the carpark. There's tables for picnics and a pretty lodge/café for that warming coffee or meal.The DOC staff at the visitor centre are friendly and knowledgeable. A great place to visit!

This place is not always open and the display tells good info but not all the interactive stuff works etc. The staff will anwer questions and give info when there and asked but they don't seem to want to approach people to see if they can halp

Called in prior to heading off to see Dawson Falls and the Goblin Forest (2 different walks). Good displays of the area and helpful staff. Good to check weather forecast there prior to heading off up the mountain.

The visitor centre itself is fine: it's located just a few minutes from Dawson Falls and there's plenty of useful, interesting information. I couldn't recommend the cafe, though, which we thought was rather poor.

Not all the interactive things worked and the ranger man behind the counter seemed more interested in reading his book than talking and making visitors feel really welcome. He was pleasant to those who asked about the area - but just doing his job

First, clean bathroom! Secondly - the man who works there is full of valuable information - you don't need pamphlets! Also, all sorts of displays that inform you about various concerns within the park & area. Love to learn about indigenous species. Dawson Falls was a nice hike downhill, but after it rains, I suggest waterproof shoes!