Dawson Falls itself is an 18 metre high waterfall named after Thomas Dawson, the first European to discover the falls in 1885. The falls are known by Māori as Te Rere o Noke (the Falls of Noke). He was a Māori warrior who hid from his pursuers behind the falls. From the Visitor Centre, walk 400 metres down Manaia Road to get to the Dawson Falls walk entrance. The walk from the road entrance is suitable for all fitness levels and takes 10 minutes to reach the lookout point. It starts with a short stepped track then joins the Kapuni Loop Track. You can view the graceful Dawson Falls from the base of the falls or from the lookout point. Either perspective is equally breathtaking.