Kaitake Range walking tracks
Walking track
About the area
Egmont National Park can be found on the western coast of New Zealand's North Island. Here the volcano Taranaki (or Mt Egmont as it is also known) rules supreme.
The lowland forest of the Kaitake Range is remarkably different from the rest of the park. A wide variety of warmth-loving semi-coastal forest and smaller plants grow in profusion over what was once a mighty volcano. Tucked at the foot of the ranges, Lucy’s Gully features large stands of exotic redwoods, eucalyptus and Douglas firs.
Description
Boars Head Mine
Time: 1 hr 30 min return
Getting there
The track begins at the end of Weld Road, off State Highway 45 south of Oakura.
Description
Boars Head Mine is as close as Taranaki gets to having its own gold mine. For more than 100 years hopeful prospectors dug shafts into the Kaitake Ranges dreaming of striking it rich.
From the end of Weld Rd the track follows marker poles across farmland, climbing uphill to the bush line. A well marked track leads 20 min into the bush where the first mine shaft can be found. Follow the steep track down to the river to view two more shafts. While the 30m long mine shaft at the top of the hill is safe to enter (a torch is recommended) the ones at river level are dangerous and should not be entered.
Sefton Track
Time: 2 hr
Getting there
The Sefton Track begins in Lucy’s Gully. From New Plymouth, follow Devon Street West south, continuing on coastal State Highway 45, 5km past Oakura. Turn off at the signposted access road.
Description
This short track can be linked with the Waimoku Track to make a loop that returns to Lucy’s Gully. The Sefton Track winds uphill for 2km before meeting with the Waimoku Track junction. Turn left and head downhill to return to the car park.
Waimoku Track
Time: 4 - 5 hr return
Getting there
The Waimoku Track begins in Lucy’s Gully. From New Plymouth, follow Devon Street West south, continuing on coastal State Highway 45, 5km past Oakura. Turn off at the signposted access road.
Description
This track leads up to the Patuha Trig (682m) offering great views along the coast and up to Mt Taranaki. Take the track back down to the car park, or turn left onto the Sefton Track which will return you to Lucy’s Gully just below the Waimoku Track entrance.
Davies Track
Time: 4 - 5 hr return
Getting there
The track is accessed from Surrey Hill Road, off Wairau Road, Oakura.
Description
Leaving the Surrey Hill road end the route climbs through farmland, following marker poles to the edge of Egmont National Park. From here it climbs steadily through bush to Patuha Trig, offering great views of the coastline and up to Mt Taranaki.
This walk can be combined with the Waimoku Track (total 4hr trip) to descend into Lucy’s Gully. You will need to organise transport to pick you up.
When crossing farmland please respect private property, leave gates as you find them and stay on the route.
Plan and prepare
What to expect on a walking track:
- Easy to moderate walking from a few minutes to a day
- Track is mostly well formed, some sections may be steep, rough or muddy
- Suitable for people with low to moderate fitness and abilities
- Clearly sign posted. Stream and river crossings are bridged
- Walking shoes or light tramping/hiking boots required