Last updated November 2026
The Lake Dive tracks lead from the Dawson Falls road end to Mangōraukawa / Lake Dive, a picturesque lake at the foot of the upper Beehive on Taranaki Maunga. DOC promises great views up the mountain and down to the ring plain and coast on the way.
You can take the exposed upper track, or the more sheltered lower track through forest, or combine them into a loop of about 13 km. DOC grades the tracks Advanced and allows 3–4 hours for each track.
The upper track needs an ice axe and crampons in winter, and the lower track has unbridged streams that can be impassable in bad weather. Dawson Falls is about 29 km from New Plymouth.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Lake Dive tracks on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Dawson Falls road end, top of Manaia Road
- Distance from the city
- about 29 km from New Plymouth
- Walking time
- Upper track 3–4 hr, lower track 3–4 hr, loop 7–8 hr
- Track length
- Upper track 4.2 km, lower track 6.2 km, loop about 13 km
- 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.
About the Lake Dive Tracks
Mangōraukawa / Lake Dive sits beneath the upper Beehive, which DOC describes as a cumulo dome formed when lava welled up and congealed before it could burst through. Two tracks lead there from Dawson Falls, and walking up one and down the other makes a full day’s loop.
Upper Mangōraukawa / Lake Dive Track
The upper track (4.2 km, 3–4 hr) follows the Panitahi and Syme Hut Track through forest to the junction with the lower track. It then turns right and climbs steadily up steps, past the Hilary Seat, Hooker Shelter and the Kapuni Lodge Track, to about 1500 m.
At the next junction it heads left, following marker poles across exposed alpine tussock before descending steeply to the lake.
Lower Mangōraukawa / Lake Dive Track
The lower track (6.2 km, 3–4 hr) also starts on the Panitahi and Syme Hut Track, then branches left at the junction, passing Hastie’s Hill and undulating through forest across many unbridged streams to the lake. It is more protected from the weather than the upper track.
At the Lake
DOC’s Around the Mountain Circuit page notes that the old Lake Dive Hut was lost to fire in 2020 and the lake no longer has a hut. You can camp there, there is a toilet, and you need to boil drinking water.
Track Conditions and Safety
The upper track is very exposed and DOC does not recommend it in winter unless your party has an ice axe and crampons. In winter, DOC suggests returning on the lower track.
The lower track’s unbridged stream crossings can make it impassable in bad weather: do not cross a flooded stream, and turn back or wait for it to drop if you are unsure.
Expect overgrown sections and some erosion. DOC notes a slip just past the Hastie’s Hill turn-off has a diversion cut around it, so look carefully for track markers. Check DOC and the forecast before you go, tell someone your plans, and use Plan My Walk to prepare.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had an alert for the Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki area, listed for the Panitahi and Syme Hut Track, which both Lake Dive tracks follow from the road end: “With snow and ice now on the mountain, access to Pantahi, Syme Hut and Taranaki Maunga summit requires an ice axe, crampons, helmet and alpine experience.” The alert names Panitahi, Syme Hut and the summit rather than Lake Dive, but the upper track climbs to about 1500 m across exposed alpine tussock, so check current conditions with DOC before you go.
Getting There
From Stratford, turn off State Highway 23 into Celia Street, which becomes Opunake Road. Follow it for 14 km, turn right into Manaia Road and continue 9 km up the mountain to the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC’s Dawson Falls area page noted there may be more traffic and heavy vehicles on Manaia Road while Dawson Falls Lodge is redeveloped.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Lake Dive tracks: 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: Dawson Falls area: other walks and tracks from the Dawson Falls road end.
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 it take to walk to Lake Dive?
DOC allows 3–4 hours for either the upper or the lower track. The loop using both takes about 7–8 hours.
Which track should I take?
The upper track (4.2 km) has the views but is exposed. The lower track (6.2 km) is more sheltered but has many unbridged streams.
Is there a hut at Lake Dive?
No. DOC says the Lake Dive Hut burnt down in 2020. Camping is possible, there is a toilet, and drinking water needs to be boiled.
Can I walk the upper track in winter?
DOC does not recommend it unless your party has an ice axe and crampons, and suggests returning on the lower track in winter.
Where do the tracks start?
At the Dawson Falls road end at the top of Manaia Road.
Are dogs allowed?
No. DOC’s rule for these tracks is No Dogs.
Are the tracks open?
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had no alerts on these tracks’ own page, but it did have an area alert about snow and ice on the mountain (see Track Conditions and Safety). The DOC page notes a diversion around a slip near Hastie’s Hill. 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.