Curtis Falls Track, Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki

An approach of steps and ladders

The Curtis Falls outing begins at the car park by Ngāti Ruanui Stratford Mountain House. From Stratford, follow Pembroke Road up the mountain for 14.5 km. The track drops down steps into the Te Pōpō Stream valley, then climbs steeply by steps and ladders before descending a steel ladder into the Manganui River gorge. DOC

This is an advanced tramping track, and its character changes quickly: formed stairs give way to a gorge route where the river itself becomes the way forward. The steel ladder and steep drop-offs call for care, particularly for anyone supervising children. DOC

Following the Manganui

At the bottom of the ladder, follow the riverbed upstream, rock hopping and crossing the river several times. The crossings and uneven riverbed make water conditions central to the outing: the upstream approach to the falls can be impassable in flood. Heavy rainfall can also make unbridged streams on the track impassable. DOC

The falls mark the destination, with a shallow pool beneath them where visitors can take a summer dip. Steep drop-offs surround the area, especially for anyone leaving the track to climb beside the falls, so the pool is best treated as the end point rather than an invitation to explore the sides. DOC

Choose the return at the junction

Return downstream to the track junction. Turn right to retrace the way to the car park, or left to continue toward Maketawa Hut, a separate onward option rather than part of the stated distance to Curtis Falls. That track can be overgrown and crosses several unbridged streams. DOC

DOC lists the track as 2–3 hr return and the distance to Curtis Falls as 2.1 km; the distance entry does not specify whether it is one way or return. Changeable mountain weather, snow, high rainfall and storm damage can make the route impassable, while erosion, steep or slippery ground and difficult navigation add to the demands. DOC

Timing and conditions

The outing rewards a deliberate choice about conditions: river travel is necessary to reach the falls, and rainfall can turn crossings into barriers. Check the forecast and carry clothing and equipment for changing weather at any time of year. The listed return time describes the falls outing; continuing left at the junction adds the separate walk to Maketawa Hut. DOC