Developing a cultural destination and place of retreat for tangata whenua and visitors.

Te Rere o Kapuni | Dawson Falls is located on the lower slopes of Mount Taranaki within Egmont National Park, and holds extreme spiritual significance to Ngāruahine iwi. The site has been identified as one of the new gateways to the Taranaki Crossing Project, which will increase visitor numbers to the area.

The existing site comprises Dawson Falls Mountain Lodge, café and associated visitor car parking. It sits adjacent to the DOC Dawsons Falls Visitor Centre, 38-bunk Konini Lodge and the Dawson Falls Power Station.

The proposal includes a new lodge with 18 accommodation rooms, lounge, mauritau/wellness room, café and private whanau function room. An arrival pathway, atea, picnic areas and garden are complemented by extensive native planting proposed throughout the site and around the boundaries. 

Client

Egmont Dixon

Location

Taranaki

Project team

Katie Chilton
Mapihi Martin-Paul
Hamish Cochrane
Mark Brown

Worked with

Ngāruahine iwi
Koau Capital Partners
Buchan Group

Project date

2019 - ongoing

Ngāruahine had developed a cultural narrative, which Boffa Miskell developed into an interpretive cultural design strategy package. A set of overarching cultural design principles inform the proposed upgrades to the built and natural environment of Te Rere o Kapuni | Dawson Falls Lodge.

In collaboration with Ngāruahine and architects from Buchan Group, the external realm design has focused on creating a welcoming and inviting place for people to experience this outstanding natural landscape.

Landscape design principles have been developed for the project:

  • Ensure a recognisable iwi presence and unique sense of place.
  • Frame and enhance key views to the maunga, Tongariro and the existing pou to create a visible connection.
  • Develop a welcoming arrival from the guest car park, trails and the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre.
  • Create inviting spaces for people to enjoy the National Park environment.
  • Complement the existing landscape character through the use of natural vernacular and locally sourced materials.


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