Taranaki - My Fave Three Hikes Under 3hrs

We love where we live! Taranaki is an outdoor lovers playground, from the mountain to the rugged west coast, there are so many hikes and walks here to choose from. Here are my Top 3 walks under 3hrs in Taranaki, offering different grades, distances and scenery and the best of the mountain, lakes and sea.

Lake Mangamahoe

5kms / 1.5hrs / Moderate
On a clear day, you can’t beat the views of the mountain from Lake Mangamahoe, and there are several vantage points as you do the Lake loop. There are lots of trails at Lake Mangamahoe (including bridal & mountain biking trails) but the classic walk is the Lake Loop. I recommend parking at the first carpark and heading straight through the redwoods and into the bush on the Lake Loop trail. Initially you walk through the native bush, over 2 swing bridges and then straight up the hill to a lookout over the lake and ocean beyond. You’ll come to the second (and last) big hill before heading into the redwoods, which is my favourite part of the walk. As you walk along the back of the lake there are two options - you can stick to the upper lake track that you are on, or turn left to head down onto the lower lake loop which will allow you to walk right next to the lake. If you’re wanting some more variety in landscape and the trail, head down the stairs to the lower loop which will just take you back up to the main trail down the track.
There are epic views of the mountain from the top of the dam. After you leave the dam and start walking towards the parking lot, turn left up the stairs to the lookout - it’s amazing and in my opinion the best view at Lake Mangamahoe. The rest of the walk take you along the road next to the lake back to the carpark.

Veronica Loop Track / Mt Taranaki

3kms / 1.5-2hrs / Moderate
This walk starts from the North Egmont Visitors centre. Follow the boardwalk up to the camp house and head up the Veronica Track. You will pass the Ambury Monument (and interesting read!) and starts to climbs up some steps. You will be on the steps for around 30 mins - straight up, so this walk requires a reasonable level of fitness. You will come to a junction with signposting to turn right and loop back to the visitor centre through kamahi and Hall’s tōtara forest, however, I recommend you continue straight on the Holly Hutt track for about another 10 mins up for some epic views out over New Plymouth and straight up to the mountain. Walk past the first little lookout where there are some seats, and go about 5 mins further where you’ll get the best views.
Once you’ve taken in the scenes, head back down and turn down the loop junction you passed earlier.
This walk offers it all - great views (and cardio!) and incredible alpine rainforest.

View from just beyond the Veronica Loop track

Coastal Walkway / East End Reserve to Oceanview Parade Boardwalk

8kms / 2hrs / Easy Grade
The Coastal Walkway is very popular here in New Plymouth, and an obvious choice if you’re staying in NP and want to get out for a walk - or ride. With just under 14kms of pathway to choose from, there is a lot to see along the way and lots of different entry points and places to walk. My favourite short walk would probably be the wind wand to East End Beach, but the walkway is a great spot for getting out and stretching your legs for a longer walk, which also allows you to get to some quieter parts of the walkway.
For the most variety, I like to start at East End Beach (park at the Buller Street Carpark) and head towards Fitzroy Beach where you can grab a coffee from the kiosk while you walk. Keep walking past the holiday park and towards Te Rewa Rewa bridge - an iconic Taranaki landmark. You can turnaround here, but I recommend you continue across the bridge and turn off the track up on the left at the first opportunity to take your shoes off and sink your toes into the sand and check out the views at the beach. This part of the beach is usually empty and is really beautiful. Continue along the path to the boardwalk, which is once again super beautiful and offers great views up and down the coast. At the end of the boardwalk turnaround and head back.
Other bonuses of this walk are plenty of toilets! Find bathrooms at East End, Fitzroy & Waiwhakaiho Rivermouth.

Hooker Valley Track / Aoraki Mt Cook

10kms Return / 3hrs
Located 5 mins from Aoraki/Mount Cook Village.

There is a reason the Hooker Valley Track is voted New Zealand most popular day walk. It is nothing short of spectacular, especially if you get a clear day like we did, getting to experience Aoraki / Mt Cook as your backdrop while you walk.

During this walk you pass through Hooker Valley and walk beside the Hooker River, and end at a glacial lake which is pretty amazing to see up close. We were lucky enough to see some icebergs the day we were there.

The track is a medium to easy grade, there is no real elevation so it’s a relatively easy walk that is family friendly. The walk is 10kms long though, so does take a little while, but the views and alpine flora and fauna you experience make it worth it.

There are several swing bridges to cross which offer some pretty amazing views along the way. If you’re a bit skittish around heights, the second one might make you pause (like it did for me!) but I knew I just had to get to the other side, so got brave and did it!

The view are incredible in every direction. While walking you are surrounded by mountain ranges on all sides making it pretty dramatic. We were lucky enough to witness an avalanche off to the side on one of the cliff faces - we actually heard it before we saw it, with the sound echoing through the valley. Pretty cool!

The terrain is quite rocky in places so I recommend close toed shoes. I walked in hiking boots which were perfect for this walk.

This walk is one of our favourites ever, with so much varied landscape and terrain in the 3hrs we were walking, plus the stunning scenery and it’s easy grade - it’s a winner!