Commissioned by the Egmont National Park Board in the 1930s, this modest electric power scheme has been bringing electricity and its associated modern comforts to tourists at the Dawson Falls Lodge, Mount Taranaki, for over 80 years.
The Dawson Falls Hydro-electric Power Scheme is situated on the southern slope of Mount Taranaki and was designed by respected electrical engineer, Thomas Richard Overton (1886-1959), for the South Committee of the Egmont National Park Board. The scheme utilises the natural fall of the Kapuni Stream to provide power and modern comforts to the Dawson Falls Lodge and other tourist facilities. The scheme began operation in 1934.
Dawson Falls Power House. Natasha Naus, 2015.
The Falls on the Kapuni Stream, known to Pākehā as Dawson Falls, were an early tourist attraction. Dawson Falls Lodge opened in 1896 and has been an important part of the visitor experience and facilities on the south side of the mountain. Egmont National Park was established in 1900 and the Park Board and its sub committees focused on developing tourist facilities and promoting recreation within the park. In the 1930s, the cost of bringing reticulated power to the isolated Dawson Falls Lodge was prohibitive. The technology of small-scale hydro schemes was well established in the Taranaki region and the scheme developed at Dawson Falls, using a second-hand General Electric generator, built circa 1901, was a cost-effective way of supplying electricity to the Lodge.
The scheme served as the main power supply for the Lodge until it was connected to the national grid in 1982. The Dawson Falls hydro scheme is now managed by the Department of Conservation and is valued for its heritage significance. The scheme is well maintained and continues to supply some of the Lodge’s power needs today. Restoration work completed in 2005 and funded by the Taranaki Electricity Trust has ensured this important example of early twentieth century power generation will continue to operate well into the future.
Dawson Falls pelton wheel (enclosed) and generator. Natasha Naus, 2015.
Heritage recognition
The Dawson Falls Hydro-electric Power Scheme was added to the Engineering New Zealand Heritage Register on 01 September 2022. Read the heritage assessment
In 2005, Dawson Falls Power Station was recognised with a plaque presented by IPENZ and the Taranaki Electricity Trust .
More information
Further reading
Department of Conservation. "Historic Dawson Falls Power Station".
Access
The plant is easily accessible to the public via a short track from Manaia Road. The glass door of the power house along with an illumination system allows visitors to see the interior of the power house and the working machinery.
Location
The power station is a short walk from the Department of Conservation, Dawson Falls Visitor Centre.
Page last updated 12 September 2022
