Sefton Ridge Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

The short but challenging Sefton RidgeTrack in the Kaitake Range can be linked with the Waimoku Track to make a loop.

This DOC directory entry covers Sefton Ridge Track in Taranaki, within Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.

Distance, time and grade

• Distance: 4.3 km loop
• Walking time: 2 to 3 hr
• DOC grade: Advanced

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 short but challenging Sefton Ridge Track can be linked with the Waimoku Track to make a loop that returns to Lucy’s Gully.

Sefton Ridge Track begins by Lucy's Gully carpark where it crosses an unbridged stream then winds steeply uphill for 2 km before meeting with the Waimoku Track junction.

You can turn left on to Waimoku Track and head downhill to return to the car park. The stream crossing can become impassable after heavy rain.

Note: Many of the Kaitake Range tracks are overgrown and have small tree windfalls on them. Expect longer travel times.

Getting there

The Kaitake Range is the backdrop to the township of Oakura. From New Plymouth, follow Devon Street West south, continuing on coastal State Highway 45, 5 km past Oakura. Turn left at Ahuahu Road to get to Lucy’s Gully.

Know before you go

Be prepared for changeable weather

Taranaki Maunga 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.

Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki weather forecast – NIWA website

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).

• What to pack for a day trip

• What to pack for an overnight trip

Nature and conservation

The lowland coastal forest of the Kaitake Range is a very different forest than that found in the rest of the Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki. 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.

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 a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.