Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Lake Mangamahoe
Submitted by Melissa Franklin
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 9
Gnarl Factor: 18
7.0km
250m
250m
195m
Login as a VIP to see driving directions, distance and time.
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Submitted by Melissa Franklin
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 9
Gnarl Factor: 18
7.0km
250m
250m
195m
Login as a VIP to see driving directions, distance and time.
Urban fringe
Loop
Undulating, some big hills
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Lakeside
Gravel Road
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +7.1%
Average Downhill Gradient: -7.7%
Login as a VIP to see the trailhead information.
1:00
Slow
0:45
Moderate
0:30
Fast
Park in the first carpark about 100m from SH 3 on right. You should see the starting point by carpark (there is an info board with map which you might what to check out). Follow the orange posts around the lake crossing two swing bridges. At one point you will get an option of a top track or lower track. I choose the top track which takes you up above the trees along a ridge. Once the track descends back to the forest you will come down some stairs. Take a left at the bottom here (I went right the first time and ended up in the MTB park) and this will take you over the dam.
On the other side of the dam go up the gravel road and follow this to the second carpark. Continue up road until you see a dirt track going to the right, take this track to the bridle paths. At your first intersection turn left and follow the "phar lap" path around the bridle tracks which will eventually exit you at the bridle path carpark. These bridle paths are rough and muddy (thanks to horse activity) but still good to run. Once at the carpark you will follow the gravel road back to the start.
There are extended running options around the bridle paths or MTB tracks on the other side of lake. Go and explore!
Hydro dam, swing bridges
Park at the first carpark about 100m down lake access road on right. Like most places, do not leave valuables in car.
10 km
12 minutes
Yes
No
Moderate.
Keep an eye out for the orange post
Generally good.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map.
None...I didn't try and drink the lake water
Can be very muddy. One of the swing bridges was under water when I went across.
Watch out for horses and bikers
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Lake Mangamahoe
As a VIP member you can record private notes for this trail, see all of your times and more.
Already have an account? Login now
Visiting NP for the week and trying a few different runs. Loved this one, did it early morning...misty and damp.
Missed out the horse trail but going again tomorrow so will add it in. Unfortunately my gps dropped out part way around :-(
June 2, 2021
EY
Gorgeous! First timer to New Plymouth. Had to have two takes because I missed the very obvious right turn to the bridle trails the first time! 🙄 Second go much better; had to double back to add the Lazy Loop to Phar Lap for the distance. Fairly well marked trails which was my savior. And yes, very muddy (sloppy, sticky, sloshy, slippery and everything in between). The dog loved it. 🐕🤩
April 26, 2021
Ran this as part of the off-road half marathon in 2021. Lovely trails, especially the redwoods section. Would be pretty muddy after rain but dry as a bone when I did it.
January 17, 2021
PG
Great little run with a good mix of terrain. Very hot and humid the day I ran it, and the mountain was hiding, but the trails were very dry. I had to backtrack once after taking a wrong turn, and there were a couple of places I was a little unsure, but thankfully instinct turned out to be correct. Will be back in a month for the half marathon.
December 19, 2020
The Wild Things Trail Directory is proudly supported by 
Send to your phone
Scan the below QR code to open this trail on your phone.
Tip: position the QR code in your phone camera screen.
