Riwaka Resurgence Track
Your Nature Guide
Marios Gavalas
Author And Researcher
Nau mai, haere mai
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!
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Information
Riwaka Resurgence Track
1.2 km return | 30 minutes return
A Resurgence is a place where a river temporarily darts undergrounds, only to re-emerge through a cliff face. This one is particularly pretty.
Walking Track
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
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Organisation |
DOC Nelson/TasmanCentral government organisation |
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Location |
South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Motueka |
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Directions To Coordinates |
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Coordinates |
Walking
Nearby
Reviews
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5.0/5
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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4.5/5
Very intense if you have a swim which I did.
Otherwise, it might be too short for such a drive. But worthy, nonetheless.
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4.5/5
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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4.5/5
Nice little walk but unfortunately the water levels were high so we could not access everything but still a great walk.
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4.5/5
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.
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3.5/5
Cold water - really!!
However it was for free and the small waterfall was exquisite to jump into.
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5.0/5
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...
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4.0/5
Well maintained walk.
Quiet. Not many people. Cold water - 10 degrees. Clear water and very refreshing.
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5.0/5
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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5.0/5
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.!
-
4.5/5
Very intense if you have a swim which I did.
Otherwise, it might be too short for such a drive. But worthy, nonetheless.
-
4.5/5
The most short walking track I have seen but a great spot to relax and jump in a really cold water.
-
4.5/5
Nice little walk but unfortunately the water levels were high so we could not access everything but still a great walk.
-
4.5/5
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.
-
3.5/5
Cold water - really!!
However it was for free and the small waterfall was exquisite to jump into.
-
5.0/5
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...
-
4.0/5
Well maintained walk.
Quiet. Not many people. Cold water - 10 degrees. Clear water and very refreshing.
-
5.0/5
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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5.0/5
Great place hidden in the forest at the foot of Takaka hills.
Sacred place for Maori also. Swimming is really a challenge. :)
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5.0/5
Magic little walk, the water is a little chilly, still I managed to stay in for one minute, try beat that!
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5.0/5
Absolutely magical though we were unlucky as the sun was not out but actually made it more special when the sun did hit the water, light the pool and bounce the reflections about.
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5.0/5
Really beautiful, only five minute walk, then you have got a beautiful pool.
Stunning but if you want to swim keep your shorts on it is icy cold. :-)
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4.5/5
Stunning limestome pools in a beautiful quiet valley.
Take a swim if you can stand the cold.
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5.0/5
Beautiful crystal pool!
Easy short walk with a nice park to relax in for a picnic.
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