Last updated November 2026
The Kamahi Loop Track is a short loop through “goblin forest” on Pembroke Road, on the eastern side of Taranaki Maunga, and DOC calls it a great introduction to the mountain’s lush rainforest. It begins just above the Ngāti Ruanui Stratford Mountain House, 15 km along Pembroke Road from Stratford.
DOC grades it Easiest and allows 15–30 minutes return for the 600 m loop. The track crosses bridges over rocky mountain streams, with some steps and wet patches after rain. The start is about 28 km from New Plymouth.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Kamahi Loop Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Just above the Ngāti Ruanui Stratford Mountain House, 15 km along Pembroke Road
- Distance from the city
- about 28 km from New Plymouth
- Walking time
- 15–30 min return
- Track length
- 600 m loop
- Grade
- Easiest
- Dogs
- No Dogs
- Track type
- Short walk
- Parking and toilets
- Car park on Pembroke Road opposite the Mountain House, with toilets across the road
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About Kamahi Loop Track
This little loop shows off the forest that gives the lower slopes of Taranaki Maunga their character. Twisted kamahi trunks are wrapped in ferns and mosses, the kind of forest locals call goblin forest, and DOC points out that the lushness is a sign of the park’s high rainfall.
From the start, the track descends to cross bridges over rocky mountain streams, then climbs again to loop back, coming out below the Ngāti Ruanui Stratford Mountain House close to where you began.
Expect some steps and, after rain, some wet areas underfoot.
Getting There
Turn off State Highway 23 onto Pembroke Road at the northern end of Stratford and drive about 15 km to the Ngāti Ruanui Stratford Mountain House. Park opposite the Mountain House in the car park on Pembroke Road. The track begins just above the Mountain House, and toilets are across the road.
Weather on the mountain can change quickly, so bring a warm layer and check the DOC page for alerts before you go.
Patea Track
If the Kamahi Loop leaves you wanting more, the Patea Track starts from the same car park and makes a longer loop. DOC calls it a good introduction to the mountain environment. It grades the track Easy to intermediate and allows about 1 hr 30 min for the round trip. No dogs are allowed.
The loop
Begin on the track below the Ngāti Ruanui Stratford Mountain House and turn left at the first junction, following the Waingongoro Track a short way. At the next junction, on the south bank of the Patea Stream, turn right. From here the track winds uphill through montane forest with some fine, large pahautea (mountain cedar).
The track then crosses Pembroke Road above the Mountain House and heads back downhill beside the Te Popo Stream. Turn right at the next junction to return to the car park.
The mountain’s weather changes quickly, and snow, heavy rain and storm damage can make tracks impassable, so check the forecast and carry warm layers. If you’ve been in other waterways, clean your gear first to stop the spread of didymo.
From locals
Which road do I turn off to get to the Kamahi Loop from Stratford?
Has anyone managed the Kamahi Loop with a pram, or are the steps too much?
No answers yet. If you know, a local would love to hear it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Kamahi Loop Track take?
DOC allows 15–30 minutes return. The loop is 600 m long.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Easiest. Expect some steps and wet areas after rain.
Where does it start?
Just above the Ngāti Ruanui Stratford Mountain House, 15 km along Pembroke Road from the northern end of Stratford.
Where do I park?
In the car park on Pembroke Road opposite the Mountain House. Toilets are across the road.
What is goblin forest?
The local name for the mossy forest on the mountain’s lower slopes, where twisted kamahi trunks are covered in ferns and mosses.
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.
Related links 2
- Department of Conservation: Kamahi Loop 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.
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.