Kaitake Range walking tracks
Located in Egmont National Park in the Taranaki region
Introduction
The Kaitake Range is remarkably different from the rest of Egmont National Park with its variety of warmth-loving semi-coastal forest.Dog access
Sefton Track/Waimoku Track Loop
Time: 2 to 3 hr
Distance: 4.3 km
The short but challenging Sefton Track can be linked with the Waimoku Track to make a loop that returns to Lucy’s Gully. The Sefton Track begins by the carpark where it crosses an unbridged stream then winds steeply uphill for 2 km before meeting with the Waimoku Track junction. Turn left and head downhill to return to the car park. The stream crossing can become impassable after heavy rain.
Getting there
The Sefton Track begins in Lucy’s Gully.
From New Plymouth, follow Devon Street West south, continuing on coastal SH45, 5 km past Oakura. Turn off at the signposted access road.
Waimoku Track to Patuha Trig
Time: 2 hr to the trig
Distance: 3.5 km to the trig
This track leads up through forest to the Patuha Trig (682 m) offering great views along the coast and up to Mt Taranaki. The last 100m section of track to the trig is a scramble up an exposed rocky section which some people may find a challenge. An easier alternative route up to the trig is via the Davies Track.
From the trig take the Waimoku 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.
Getting there
The Waimoku Track begins in Lucy’s Gully.
From New Plymouth, follow Devon Street West south, continuing on coastal State Highway 45, 5 km past Oakura. Turn off at the signposted access road.
Davies Track to Patuha Trig
Time: 2 hr to the trig
Distance: 4.2 km to the trig
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 for a total 4 hr trip. This would then descend into Lucy’s Gully. You will need to organise transport to pick you up.
When crossing farmland respect private property, leave gates as you find them and stay on the route.
Getting there
The track is accessed from Surrey Hill Road, off Wairau Road, Oakura.
Boars Head Mine
The Boars Head Mine track is closed until further notice.
The Kaitake Range is the backdrop to the township of Oakura. Take the South Road (SH45) from New Plymouth to access the ranges in two ways.
- From SH45 turn left at Wairau Road just past Oakura. Turn left again into Surrey Hill Road to get to the start of the Davies Track. It’s about a 20 minute drive from New Plymouth.
- Pass through Oakura and from SH45 turn left at Ahuahu Road to get to Lucy’s Gully and the Waimoku Track.
- Drive through Oakura on SH45 and turn left onto Weld Road to get to Boars Head Mine Track. Allow 45 minutes walk to the mine.
Lucy’s Gully is the most convenient access. The others are across private land with public right of access.
Weather
Mt Taranaki has changeable and unpredictable weather. Check the forecast and carry enough clothing and equipment to ensure you are able to cope with any type of weather, at any time of the year. The rivers and tributaries are not always bridged and some of these can flood at any time of the year.
Pack warm and waterproof clothing
Be ready for any weather by packing a waterproof jacket and plenty of warm layers. Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes (tramping boots are recommended).
The lowland coastal forest of the Kaitake Range is a very different forest than that found in the rest of the Egmont National Park. The trees here are not found in the higher areas. There are nikau, titoke, kohekohe, and puriri trees. You’ll find pukeatea and karaka trees and see silver fern and a range of smaller plants.
A stand of Californian redwood trees, planted in the 1930s are protected by a special dispensation in the Egmont National Park Management Plan. Other exotic trees planted at the same time are slowly being removed to allow regeneration of native species.
Contacts
| Egmont National Park Visitor Centre | |
| Phone: | +64 6 756 0990 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | egmontvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
2879 Egmont Rd Egmont National Park |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 462 New Plymouth 4340 |
| Full office details | |