Riwaka Resurgence Track
Riwaka Resurgence Track
Your Nature Guide
Marios Gavalas
Author And Researcher
Nau mai, haere mai
I'm Marios, delivering the best of Aotearoa's nature walks to your device.
I've personally walked hundreds of New Zealand's tracks and spent months in libraries uncovering interesting information on New Zealand/Aotearoa. And you'll find a slice of that research on this page - enjoy!
Maps
Photos
Information
A Resurgence is a place where a river temporarily darts undergrounds, only to re-emerge through a cliff face. This one is particularly pretty.
Access
Stay on SH60 towards Takaka and turn left onto Riwaka Valley Road
It’s 6.5km up the valley to the roadend, where there is a large grassed parking area and toilets. The start of the track passes under the Maori welcome gate.
Track
The track is well marked and the surface is well graded. However, when it is wet, there are places it can be slippery. The steps to the river edge at the Resurgence are also steep, and you should take extra care.
After passing under the welcome gate, the track meanders alongside the Riuwaka River. There are several places you can approach the river’s edge. A small waterfall is conspicuous by it’s noise. The track continues to the cliff, from where the turquoise waters of the Resurgence are discoverable.
Geology
A Resurgence is a place where a river temporarily darts undergrounds, only to re-emerge through a cliff face.
The water is a constant chilly nine degrees centigrade.
Polynesian History
Te Puna o Riuwaka is a place of cultural significance to local tribes Ngati Rarua and Te Atiawa. The sacred waters were used for healing, most notably by the ancestor Hui Te Rangiora.
European History
Divers first entered the cave in 1960. After approximately 30m the underwater cavern arrives at a waterfall. A few more dives bring the explorer to a vast subterranean cavern. This can also be reached by staying dry, as a vast network of caves lattices the underground.
Details
| Feature | Value | Info |
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Location |
South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Motueka |
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Contact
Reviews
Showing 13 reviews of 20.
Ramiro Araujo
Ranking: 10/10
Great cold water pool! Wakes you up better than coffee.
Louisa Theimann
Ranking: 10/10
A 20 minute return walk leads to the Riwaka River and the spring of this river It is a holy place for the Maori and when you are there, you will feel a special atmosphere around this place. We respected the spring and did not swim there, but you can swim in the crystal pools down the river. The water is so blue, it is still cold but when you are there at noontime, the sun shines directly into the water. It is a magical place and I definitely recommend it.!
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Pierre Landenne
Ranking: 9/10
Very intense if you have a swim which I did. Otherwise, it might be too short for such a drive. But worthy, nonetheless.
Rose Guillaume
Ranking: 9/10
The most short walking track I have seen but a great spot to relax and jump in a really cold water.
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Hector Sharp
Ranking: 9/10
Nice little walk but unfortunately the water levels were high so we could not access everything but still a great walk.
Jeremy Billy
Ranking: 9/10
Great peaceful spot with insight into Maori history. Just be aware that it floods in the area and before you are there you will have to cross a few water spots. Spiritual moment indeed.
Mikkel Palleson
Ranking: 7/10
Cold water - really!! However it was for free and the small waterfall was exquisite to jump into.
Thank You - to the thousands of travellers that have contributed to our Top Voted NZ Activities Map - it's free from Rankers.
Laksmi C
Ranking: 10/10
This is very special (sacred) spot and has a beautiful still, quiet feel to it...the actual resurgence (where the water comes out of the Takaka Hill) is quite eerie and tapu to Maori...so advise swimming downstream at the crystal pool...it's nicer there anyway...at an invigorating 11deg celcius all year round. The short walk through the bush is lovely. Even further downstream I have heard was a special spot that Maori women used to go to give birth...
Morgan Fog
Ranking: 8/10
Well maintained walk. Quiet. Not many people. Cold water - 10 degrees. Clear water and very refreshing.
Emily Garside
Ranking: 10/10
The crispest coldest most delicious water you can imagine. It comes straight out of a cave with a surrounding so magical I was half expecting a unicorn to trot by.
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Sophie James
Ranking: 9/10
Beautiful - crystal clear water, this was freezing though.
Paula Renton
Ranking: 8/10
Great short easy picturesque walk - great photo opportunities and well kept.
Martin Buchta
Ranking: 10/10
Great place hidden in the forest at the foot of Takaka hills. Sacred place for Maori also. Swimming is really a challenge. :)
DOC Managed
Thanks to all the good people working for the NZ Department of Conservation - for all your hard work - making NZ more beautiful, accessable and healthy! Cheers 😍
