Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate

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Mangakotukutuku Falls

New Plymouth, Taranaki

Submitted by Joe Benbow

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate

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I've done it Done

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Open

Grunt Factor: 12

Gnarl Factor: 51

5.7km

Length of run

300m

Total Ascent

300m

Total Descent

685m

Highest point

Driving Time

Driving Distance

Directions to start

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Out and Back

Undulating, some big hills

Native bush

Open farmlands

Run Makeup

20%

50%

30%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +9.7%

Average Downhill Gradient: -9.7%

Trailhead

Estimated Times to Run

1:30

Slow

1:10

Moderate

0:45

Fast

GPX File

Topo Map

3D Satellite

Guide

This is a straightforward run up to a beautiful waterfall. From the end of Maude Road, cross the stile and head straight across the ridge through 3 farmland paddocks, each time looking for the stile and orange triangles. There are likely to be cattle here so just take your time and allow them to move out of your way.

Once you reach the bush, you'll see the green sign pointing to Maude Track and the falls. Follow this uphill, keeping to the orange triangles until about the 2.7k point, when you'll reach the sign for the falls to the left. Take care down this steep section as you descend to the falls.

Once you've soaked in the view, return the way you came and enjoy the much easier run downhill.

A Māori oven can be found just below the junction of the Falls track on the true left side. Care must be taken not to disturb this archaeological feature.

Transport and parking:

Limited car parking available. No public transport.

Distance from New Plymouth:

20 km

Driving time from New Plymouth:

21 minutes

Dog friendly:

Unknown

Landowner permission required:

Navigation Rating:

Easy.

Navigation Tips:

Follow green signs and orange triangles and you should be sweet.

Cellphone Coverage:

Patchy.

Suggested Gear List:

Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Map.

Availability of Water:

The falls are the only water source on this track

Seasonality Issues:

Track can be very muddy and slippery after heavy rain

Hazards:

The section closest to the falls is very eroded and steep. Take great care here. There are also likely to be cattle in the paddocks at the beginning/end.

Trail Legend