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Key facts
- Distance
- 3.5 km one way
- Walking time
- 2 hr to the trig
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki
- 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 Waimoku Track in the Kaitake Range up to Patuhā Trig for great views along the coast and up to Taranaki Maunga.
This DOC directory entry covers Waimoku 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: 3.5 km one way
- Walking time: 2 hr to the trig
- 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
From Lucy's Gully the Waimoku Track leads up through forest to the Patuhā Trig (682 m). Here you get great views along the coast and up to Taranaki Maunga. 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 return on the same track back down to the car park. Or turn left onto Sefton Ridge Track which will also return you to Lucy’s Gully just below the Waimoku Track entrance.
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.
