Last updated November 2026
The Davies Track climbs from the Surrey Hill Road end near Oakura to Patuhā Trig in the Kaitake Range, with great views of the coastline and Taranaki Maunga from the top. The track crosses farmland on marker poles to the edge of Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki, then climbs steadily through coastal bush.
DOC grades it Advanced and allows 2 hours to the trig. You can return the same way or combine it with the Waimoku Track for a 4 hour trip down to Lucy’s Gully. DOC notes many Kaitake Range tracks are overgrown with small windfalls, so expect longer travel times.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Davies Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Surrey Hill Road end, off State Highway 45 past Oakura
- Distance from the city
- about 13 km from New Plymouth
- Walking time
- 2 hr to Patuhā Trig (4 hr if combined with the Waimoku Track)
- Track length
- 4.2 km one way
- Grade
- Advanced
- Dogs
- No Dogs
- Track type
- Tramping track
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
- Track markers
- On marked bush tracks, DOC and most councils use orange triangles for the walking route. Triangles or tape in other colours, usually pink or blue, mark pest-control lines and traps. They can lead off the track, so don’t follow them.
About Davies Track
The Kaitake Range is the bush-clad backdrop to Oakura, and the Davies Track is the easier of the two routes to Patuhā Trig. From the Surrey Hill Road end, the track follows marker poles across farmland to the boundary of Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki, then climbs steadily through the bush.
At Patuhā Trig the views reach along the coastline and up to Taranaki Maunga. DOC describes the Davies Track as an easier way to the trig than the Waimoku Track, which finishes with a scramble up an exposed rocky section.
For a longer day, combine the Davies Track with the Waimoku Track and descend into Lucy’s Gully, a total trip of about 4 hours. You will need to arrange a pick-up at Lucy’s Gully. The Sefton Ridge Track also links with the Waimoku Track if you want to explore further.
DOC rates the track Advanced, and Kaitake Range tracks can be overgrown.
The Kaitake Forest
DOC notes that the lowland coastal forest of the Kaitake Range is very different from the forest elsewhere in the park, with trees not found in the higher areas. Look for nīkau, tītoki, kohekohe and pūriri, along with pukatea and karaka, silver fern and a range of smaller plants.
The range also holds a stand of Californian redwoods planted in the 1930s, which is protected under a special dispensation in the park’s management plan. Other exotic trees planted at the same time are slowly being removed to let native species regenerate.
Track Conditions and Preparation
DOC warns that many Kaitake Range tracks are overgrown and have small tree windfalls on them, so allow extra time. Where the track crosses farmland, respect private property, leave gates as you find them and stay on the route.
Be ready for any weather with a waterproof jacket and plenty of warm layers, and wear sturdy shoes, ideally tramping boots. Check DOC before you go, tell someone your plans, and use Plan My Walk to prepare.
Getting There
From New Plymouth, follow Devon Street West south and continue on State Highway 45. About 5 km past Oakura, turn left into Surrey Hill Road to reach the start of the track. DOC says it is about a 20 minute drive from New Plymouth.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Davies 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: Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki: an overview of the national park, including the Kaitake Range tracks and current alerts.
Plan My Walk: plan your trip, check the weather and track alerts, and share your plans with someone you trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Davies Track take?
DOC allows 2 hours to Patuhā Trig. Combined with the Waimoku Track down to Lucy’s Gully, the trip takes about 4 hours.
How hard is the Davies Track?
It is graded Advanced. It climbs steadily and many Kaitake Range tracks are overgrown with small windfalls, so expect longer travel times.
Where does the Davies Track start?
At the Surrey Hill Road end. Drive about 5 km past Oakura on State Highway 45 and turn left into Surrey Hill Road.
What is the view like from Patuhā Trig?
DOC says the trig offers great views of the coastline and up to Taranaki Maunga.
Is it easier than the Waimoku Track?
DOC describes the Davies Track as the easier route to the trig, as the Waimoku Track ends with a scramble up an exposed rocky section.
Are dogs allowed?
No. DOC’s rule for this track is No Dogs.
Does the track cross private land?
Yes, the first part crosses farmland. Leave gates as you find them and stay on the marked route.
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.