Last updated November 2026
The Sefton Ridge Track is a short but challenging climb in the Kaitake Range near Oakura that links with the Waimoku Track to make a loop from Lucy’s Gully. It starts beside the Lucy’s Gully car park, crosses an unbridged stream and winds steeply uphill for about 2 km to the Waimoku Track junction.
DOC grades it Advanced and allows 2 to 3 hours. From the junction you can head down the Waimoku Track to the car park, or continue up to Patuhā Trig. DOC notes the stream crossing can become impassable after heavy rain and many Kaitake Range tracks are overgrown.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Sefton Ridge Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Lucy’s Gully car park, off Ahuahu Road, State Highway 45 past Oakura
- Distance from the city
- about 16 km from New Plymouth
- Walking time
- 2 to 3 hr
- Track length
- 4.3 km loop (about 2 km uphill to the Waimoku Track junction)
- 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 Sefton Ridge Track
The Sefton Ridge Track is the steep alternative way up from Lucy’s Gully. Right from the car park it crosses an unbridged stream, then climbs hard, winding up the ridge for about 2 km until it meets the Waimoku Track.
At the junction, turn left onto the Waimoku Track to head downhill and back to the car park, completing a loop. Or, if you have the legs for it, carry on up the Waimoku Track towards Patuhā Trig, where the views reach along the coast and up to Taranaki Maunga.
DOC describes it as short but challenging, so allow plenty of time.
The Kaitake Forest
The Kaitake Range is covered in lowland coastal forest that DOC says is very different from the forest elsewhere in the park. It includes nīkau, tītoki, kohekohe, pūriri, pukatea and karaka, with silver fern and many smaller plants beneath.
A stand of Californian redwoods planted in the 1930s is protected here, while other exotic trees are slowly being removed to let native species return.
Track Conditions and Preparation
The stream crossing at the start can become impassable after heavy rain, so check conditions and be ready to turn back. Many Kaitake Range tracks are overgrown and have small tree windfalls, which means longer travel times.
Carry a waterproof jacket and 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 at Ahuahu Road to get to Lucy’s Gully. The track begins by the car park.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Sefton Ridge 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 Sefton Ridge Track take?
DOC allows 2 to 3 hours. Overgrown sections and windfalls can add time.
How hard is the Sefton Ridge Track?
It is graded Advanced. DOC describes it as short but challenging, with a steep 2 km climb and an unbridged stream crossing.
Where does it start?
Beside the Lucy’s Gully car park, reached via Ahuahu Road about 5 km past Oakura on State Highway 45.
Can I do it as a loop?
Yes. At the top junction, turn left onto the Waimoku Track and head downhill back to the car park.
What about the stream crossing?
It is unbridged and can become impassable after heavy rain. If the stream is up, don’t cross.
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.