Last updated November 2026
The Maude Track to Mangakotukutuku Falls leads from the end of Maude Road, south of New Plymouth, across farmland and up a forested ridge of the Pouākai Range to the pretty Mangakotukutuku Falls. DOC grades it Advanced and allows 1 hr 30 min one way.
The track climbs through stands of regenerating and ancient forest before dropping into the Mangakotukutuku Stream valley to the falls. DOC notes it is not well maintained and can be rough and slippery in places. The road end is about 18 km from New Plymouth, and DOC says the drive takes around twenty minutes.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Maude Track to Mangakotukutuku Falls on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- End of Maude Road, off Kent Road (limited parking)
- Distance from the city
- about 18 km from New Plymouth
- Walking time
- 1 hr 30 min one way
- Track length
- About 2.8 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 Maude Track to Mangakotukutuku Falls
This is a waterfall walk with a bit of a tramp attached. From the end of Maude Road, the track crosses private farmland to the boundary of Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki, then begins to climb.
The route follows a ridge on the Pouākai Range through stands of regenerating and ancient forest. It then turns left and drops into the Mangakotukutuku Stream valley, arriving at the falls. Return the same way.
DOC says the track is not well maintained and can be rough and slippery. With 1 hr 30 min each way, allow about three hours for the return trip.
Track Conditions and Preparation
DOC says the track can be rough and slippery in places. Taranaki is famous for fast-changing and extreme weather, so check the forecast before you go and be prepared for rain and cold, even in summer. Pack a waterproof jacket and plenty of warm layers, and wear sturdy shoes, ideally tramping boots.
The first part of the track crosses private farmland. Leave gates as you find them and stay on the route. Check DOC before you go, tell someone your plans, and use Plan My Walk to prepare.
About Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki
DOC describes Taranaki Maunga (2518 m) as an andesitic volcano at the centre of the 34,170 ha park. It is about 125,000 years old, the park’s most recent volcanic peak, and last erupted around 1755 AD. The mountain is now considered dormant.
Local Māori believe Taranaki Maunga once stood with the mountains of the central North Island and, after a dispute over the maiden Pihanga, fled to the coast, carving out the bed of the Whanganui River on the way. The park became New Zealand’s second national park in 1900 and was renamed Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki in 2025.
Getting There
Drive south from New Plymouth on State Highway 3, following signs towards Inglewood and Whanganui. Turn right onto Kent Road, then right onto Maude Road and follow it to the end. DOC notes car parking at the end of the road is limited.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Maude Track to Mangakotukutuku Falls: 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, its 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 Maude Track take?
DOC allows 1 hr 30 min one way to Mangakotukutuku Falls. Return the same way.
How hard is the Maude Track?
It is graded Advanced. DOC says the track is not well maintained and can be rough and slippery in places.
Where does it start?
At the end of Maude Road. From State Highway 3 south of New Plymouth, turn right onto Kent Road, then right onto Maude Road.
Is there parking?
DOC notes that car parking at the end of Maude Road is limited.
Does the track cross private land?
Yes. It crosses private farmland before reaching the park boundary, so leave gates as you find them and stay on the route.
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.