Last updated October 2026
Te Puna Wai o Riuwaka/Riuwaka Resurgence is a short walk in Kahurangi National Park to the cave and deep, clear pool where the north branch of the Riuwaka River emerges from inside Tākaka Hill.
The track starts beside the parking area at the end of a 7 km signposted road off State Highway 60, 11 km from Riwaka township and about 42 km from Nelson.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) gives it 10 minutes one way and classes it as a wheelchair accessible short walk, with wheelchair access as far as Crystal Pool. It is a sacred place, wāhi tapu, for Te Atiawa, Ngāti Rārua and Ngāti Tama. Dogs and camping are not permitted.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Te Puna Wai o Riuwaka/Riuwaka Resurgence on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOCTrack facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.
Practical Information
- Start
- Parking beside the track start, 7 km along the signposted road off State Highway 60 before the Tākaka Hill climb
- Distance from the city
- About 42 km from Nelson; 11 km from Riwaka and 16 km from Motueka
- Walking time
- 10 min one way
- Track length
- About 0.5 km
- Grade
- Wheelchair accessible short walk (access as far as Crystal Pool)
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Track type
- Walking track
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About Te Puna Wai o Riuwaka/Riuwaka Resurgence
Tākaka Hill is made of marble riddled with caves, and the Riuwaka River runs underground through it before bursting back into daylight here. DOC describes damp forest, clear cold water, tranquil pools and moss-covered, water-worn marble rock that give the place “a fairyland quality”.
A short path leads through the forest to the point where the river emerges. About five minutes in is Crystal Pool, the end of the wheelchair-accessible section. A wheelchair user will need assistance on the track.
The resurgence is a place of particular cultural significance to Te Atiawa, Ngāti Rārua and Ngāti Tama, who recognise it as wāhi tapu. Treat it with respect while you are there.
Besides the walk, DOC lists picnicking and fishing among the things to do here. It is an easy outing for families, older walkers and anyone driving over Tākaka Hill towards Golden Bay.
Getting There
From Riwaka, head north-west on State Highway 60 towards Tākaka. Just before the climb over Tākaka Hill, the road splits, with the signposted road to the Resurgence off to the left. DOC describes the next 7 km as a gently winding but easy, flat road, leading to the parking area beside the start of the track.
For a view down over the resurgence valley, DOC suggests carrying on up State Highway 60 to Hawkes Lookout on Tākaka Hill.
Track Conditions and Safety
The rocks in the riverbed are very slippery, and the steps down to the resurgence and the surrounding rocks can be underwater during floods. Supervise children at all times. Check DOC before you go and tell someone your plans.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Te Puna Wai o Riuwaka/Riuwaka Resurgence: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Kahurangi National Park: other walks, huts and visitor information for the park.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the walk to the Riuwaka Resurgence?
DOC gives 10 minutes one way, about 0.5 km.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes, as far as Crystal Pool, about five minutes in. DOC says a wheelchair user will need assistance.
Can I take my dog?
No. Dogs are not permitted.
Where does the track start?
At the end of the signposted road off State Highway 60, just before the climb over Tākaka Hill, 11 km from Riwaka.
Can I swim at the resurgence?
DOC does not list swimming here. It is wāhi tapu to local iwi, and the rocks are very slippery.
Is it open after heavy rain?
The steps down to the resurgence and the surrounding rocks can be underwater during floods. Check DOC before you go.
Can I camp there?
No. Camping is not permitted.
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