Last updated October 2026
The Potaema Track is a boardwalk through native forest on Pembroke Road to a large lowland bog with views of Taranaki Maunga across the swamp. It starts at the Potaema Picnic Area, about 3 km in from the park boundary on Pembroke Road above Stratford.
DOC grades it Easiest, allows 30 minutes, and describes the track as suitable for wheelchairs and prams. Raised boardwalks carry you through the forest to a viewing area. The start is about 30 km from New Plymouth.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Potaema Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Potaema Picnic Area, about 3 km in from the park boundary on Pembroke Road
- Distance from the city
- about 30 km from New Plymouth
- Walking time
- 30 min
- Track length
- About 0.4 km
- Grade
- Easiest
- Dogs
- No Dogs
- Track type
- Easy access (wheelchair)
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About Potaema Track
Potaema is built for easy access. Raised boardwalks lead from the picnic area through lush lowland forest, which DOC describes as a mix of rimu, rātā and kamahi, kahikatea, and mountain tōtara and pōkākā.
The boardwalk ends at a large lowland bog that DOC says sustains a wide variety of plants and animals. From the viewing area there are magnificent views of the mountain across the swamp, a very different outlook from the forest you have just walked through.
DOC describes the boardwalk as suitable for wheelchairs and prams.
Getting There
Access to the east side of Taranaki Maunga is via Pembroke Road, which leads to the park boundary from the northern end of Stratford. The Potaema Picnic Area is about 3 km in from the park boundary.
Further up, the road climbs through montane forest past the Mountain House Motor Lodge to the Stratford Plateau car park (1172 m), where other short walks begin.
Weather on the mountain can change quickly, so bring a warm layer and check the DOC page for alerts before you go.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Potaema Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: East Egmont area: other walks from Pembroke Road and the Stratford Plateau.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Potaema Track take?
DOC allows 30 minutes. The boardwalk is about 0.4 km long.
Is the Potaema Track wheelchair accessible?
DOC describes it as a boardwalk track suitable for wheelchairs and prams, and lists the track type as Easy access (wheelchair).
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Easiest, its gentlest grade.
What will I see?
Lowland forest of rimu, rātā, kamahi, kahikatea, mountain tōtara and pōkākā, then a large lowland bog with views of Taranaki Maunga across the swamp.
Where does it start?
At the Potaema Picnic Area, about 3 km in from the park boundary on Pembroke Road above Stratford.
Are dogs allowed?
No. DOC’s rule for this track is No Dogs.
Is the track open?
It was open when we checked on 18 October 2026, with no DOC alerts. Check the DOC page for current alerts before you go.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.