Lucy's Gully Kaitake Range
Discover the serene beauty of Lucy's Gully Kaitake Range, a hidden gem featuring majestic redwood trees and rewarding walking trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Lucy's Gully Kaitake Range
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the serene beauty of Lucy's Gully Kaitake Range, a hidden gem featuring majestic redwood trees and rewarding walking trails.
"A beautiful spot with nice walking trails and a view of the coast on the drive down."
🌲 Embrace the Redwoods
The giant redwoods at the entrance are a fantastic photo op! :camerawithflash:
🥾 Sturdy Shoes Essential
Trails can be steep and slippery, especially after rain. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Giant Redwoods
Trail Entrance
Marvel at the towering redwood trees that create a magical, shaded canopy at the start of the walks.
Waimoku Track Loop
Main Trail System
A rewarding 45-minute climb offering ridge views and a mix of tree roots for secure footing.
River Crossing
Loop Trail
An integral part of the loop walk, best tackled early on for an easier return journey.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Etiquette & Navigation
Best Footwear & Gear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌲 Embrace the Redwoods
The giant redwoods at the entrance are a fantastic photo op! :camerawithflash:
🥾 Sturdy Shoes Essential
Trails can be steep and slippery, especially after rain. :athletic_shoe:
🗺️ Stick to the Path
Phone signal is spotty. Stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost. :world_map:
🔄 Loop Walk Strategy
Cross the river first on the loop for an easier return. :arrow_right:
Tips
from all over the internet
🌲 Embrace the Redwoods
The giant redwoods at the entrance are a fantastic photo op! :camerawithflash:
🥾 Sturdy Shoes Essential
Trails can be steep and slippery, especially after rain. :athletic_shoe:
🗺️ Stick to the Path
Phone signal is spotty. Stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost. :world_map:
🔄 Loop Walk Strategy
Cross the river first on the loop for an easier return. :arrow_right:
🧺 Picnic Spot
A quiet spot with toilets and lovely big redwood trees for a picnic. :picnic_table:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Lucy's Gully Kaitake Range as a beautiful and peaceful spot with lovely walking trails, particularly highlighting the impressive redwood trees at the entrance. While some roads could use tidying, access is generally good, and the facilities, including toilets, are functional. It's considered a hidden gem for nature walks.
"Beautiful spot. Nice walking trails and a view of the coat on the drive down. The road leading to the main car park could do with a tidy up, but we had no access issues in our large van. It's worth a visit if you're in the area. Toilet facilities were as you'd expect, clean enough, and toilet paper available."
Jenna Rowe
"Love doing the loop walk here but think it's much easier taking the right most track which involves crossing the river first instead of at the end on the way back. Ending the walk seeing the giant redwoods is not only lovely but also avoids having to walk down some of the steepest slipperiest areas which are much easier to walk up than down"
Jesse W
"Seems to be a hidden gem for walking in.
Nice flora and tall trees at the entrance of the walks.
Steady climb up the Waimoku track along a ridge. Plenty of tree roots on the path to secure footings.
Approx 45min one way up. Return down is z quick return trip.
A bit overgrown but still a tradable track to follow."
Chris Dawson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lucy's Gully Kaitake Range is accessible by car. The road leading to the main car park is generally manageable, even for larger vehicles like vans, though it could use some tidying up.
Yes, there is a car park available at the main entrance, which can accommodate various vehicle sizes.
The drive offers views of the coast. While the road to the car park might be a bit rough, it's usually passable without issue.
GPS can guide you to the general area, but be aware that phone signal can drop in and out once you're closer to or within the range.
Lucy's Gully is located in the Taranaki region, and while not specified in the provided text, it's generally considered a scenic drive from New Plymouth.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no mention of entry fees or tickets required for Lucy's Gully Kaitake Range. It appears to be a free-access natural area.
As a natural reserve, Lucy's Gully Kaitake Range is likely open year-round during daylight hours. Specific opening times are not provided.
Based on reviews, it seems to be a free public space, so no admission fee is expected.
Advance booking is not necessary as it's a natural attraction. You can visit spontaneously.
No permits are mentioned as being required for general hiking within Lucy's Gully Kaitake Range.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The Waimoku track offers a steady climb with great views, and the loop walk is popular. Many trails start with impressive redwood trees. +1
The Waimoku track is approximately a 45-minute climb one way, with a quicker return trip.
While generally well-signed, some sections can be a bit overgrown. The tracks are tradable and followable.
You'll find views along ridges during the climb, and the entrance is marked by beautiful, tall redwood trees. +1
Yes, it's a quiet spot with lovely big redwood trees and trails that are suitable for families, though some parts can be steep.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities mentioned within Lucy's Gully Kaitake Range itself. It's advisable to bring your own food and drinks.
Absolutely! It's described as a quiet little picnic spot, perfect for enjoying a meal amidst the redwoods.
The primary facility mentioned is a toilet. You'll need to bring all your own food and beverages.
The nearest dining options would likely be in nearby towns. It's recommended to check local listings for New Plymouth or surrounding areas.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally good practice to consume alcohol responsibly in natural areas and check local regulations if unsure.
📸 📸 Photography
The outstanding redwood trees at the entrance provide a fantastic photo opportunity with their impressive height and canopy.
While not specifically mentioned for sunsets, the natural beauty and volcanic backdrop of Mount Taranaki (visible on the drive down) could offer great photographic potential.
A wide-angle lens would be great for capturing the scale of the redwoods. A sturdy tripod might be useful for lower light conditions under the canopy.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with local authorities or park management before flying a drone in the area.
The ridge sections of the Waimoku track offer elevated perspectives. The base of the redwoods also provides dramatic shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the Waimoku track offers a steady climb, families might prefer sticking to the loop walk or shorter sections closer to the entrance, especially with younger children. The presence of toilets adds to the convenience for families. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, as there are no food services on site.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse flora and tall trees, especially the magnificent redwoods. The relatively uncrowded nature of the area makes it ideal for a peaceful immersion in nature. Just be sure to wear appropriate footwear and stay on the marked paths.
📸 Photographers
Consider visiting during the morning or late afternoon for softer light. While not explicitly mentioned for sunsets, the drive down offers views of Mount Taranaki, which could be a photographic bonus.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
The entrance to the walks is particularly striking, marked by lovely big redwood trees that create a magical, shaded atmosphere. These giants are a highlight for many and offer fantastic photographic opportunities. The trails wind through the treeline for a considerable time before opening up to views, adding to the sense of discovery.
It's crucial to stick to the marked paths as phone signal can be unreliable in the area, increasing the risk of getting lost. Wearing sturdy footwear is highly recommended due to the potential for steep and slippery sections, especially after rain.
The Majestic Redwoods
The sheer scale of these trees makes them a significant draw, providing a dramatic contrast to the surrounding landscape. Walking amongst them is an experience in itself, with the dappled sunlight filtering through the dense foliage creating a serene and beautiful ambiance.
These redwoods are not just visually stunning but also contribute to the unique character of the area, making the initial part of any walk here particularly memorable. They serve as a perfect introduction to the natural beauty of Lucy's Gully.
Visitor Experience and Facilities
Facilities are basic but functional. There are toilet facilities available, which are noted as being clean enough with toilet paper provided. This makes it a convenient spot for a short visit or a picnic.
While the road leading to the main car park could benefit from some maintenance, access is generally not an issue, even for larger vehicles like vans. The area is well-signed, but vigilance is still advised to stay on track.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit