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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -39.10430, 174.04388. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- 2 km loop
- Walking time
- 45 min loop
- Track grade
- Easiest
- Location
- New Plymouth area
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
Walk through an outstanding example of a subtropical rain forest past a scenic waterfall on this well-graded short walk – with a picnic area at the car park it's a great option for families.
This DOC directory entry covers Ratapihipihi Scenic Reserve walk in Taranaki, within New Plymouth area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 2 km loop
- Walking time: 45 min loop
- DOC grade: Easiest
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
The track passes through coastal forest and goes past a scenic waterfall. Look out for the two old saw pits beside the track, which are remnants of historical logging operations.
It's well graded but steep in places.
There is a large sheltered picnic area next to the car park.
Getting there
Ratapihipihi Scenic Reserve is 7.4 km south of New Plymouth. Follow Tukapa Street for 5 km, then turn into Cowling Road, then into Ratapihipihi Road.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is published in DOC's official route gallery with an explicit reuse licence. Its original caption and credit are retained; it does not establish current track conditions.
