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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: -39.19280, 173.87456. 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
- 3 km return via same track
- Walking time
- 1 hr
- Track grade
- Easy
- 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
This walk takes you through lowland bush and to views of Taranaki Maunga. It can be done as either a return track or as a loop track. The loop involves crossing the unbridged Kaihihi Stream.
This DOC directory entry covers Stony River (Hangatahua) Walkway 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: 3 km return via same track
- Walking time: 1 hr
- DOC grade: Easy
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
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 Taranaki Maunga and the Pouākai Range.
Getting there
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.
Know before you go
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.
Nature and conservation
Lowland forest, mostly made up of kohekohe and kawakawa.
History and culture
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.
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.
