Image: Tamsen Walker | DOC
View over a field with a large pointed mountain in the distance.
Stony River (Hangatahua) Walkway

Located in New Plymouth area in the Taranaki region

This walk takes you through lowland bush and to views of Mount Taranaki. It can be done as either a return track or as a loop track. The loop involves crossing the unbridged Kaihihi Stream.

This walk begins at the William Corbett Scenic Reserve in ōkato. Follow the poles through lowland bush alongside the Kaihihi Stream to the end of the reserve. From here, the track passes through private property, before coming out onto private farmland. Be aware of electric fences.

There is no public access across the Kaihihi Stream – the ford over the stream is a private ford not for public use. At this point you can either wade across the Kaihihi Stream or return the way you came. Be aware the Kaihihi Stream is unpassable after heavy rain.

On a clear day, you'll have views of Mt Taranaki (Mt Egmont) and the Pouakai Range.

The track starts from the William Corbett Reserve carpark. This is at the end of Old South Road in Ōkato. Ōkato is 25 minutes drive south of New Plymouth.
  • There are no toilet facilities.
  • There is a picnic table at the carpark at the start of the track from Ōkato Domain.
  • This track goes through private property and farmland. Use the stiles provided and watch out for electric fences.

Lowland forest, mostly made up of kohekohe and kawakawa.

Set in the bush of the Ōkato Domain, you'll find the remnants of Ngaweka Pa.

The William Corbett Scenic Reserve land was gifted to the crown in 1958 by the Corbett Family in memory of the late William Corbett.