A pleasant day walk taking around 5 hours return will reward you with a breath-taking vista across the North Taranaki coastline
Please take your own writing stick
The track is very steep in places, even involving a couple of almost vertical rock pitches of a few metres each, but the route is regularly used and a fairly well maintained track.
These are the DOC recommended tracks to reaching Patua Trig...
Waimoku Track Time: 4 – 5 hr return
This track leads up through forest to the Patuha Trig (682 m) offering great views along the coast and up to Mt Taranaki. The last 100m section of track to the trig is a scramble up an exposed rocky section which some people may find a challenge. An easier alternative route up to the trig is via the Davies Track.
From the trig take the Waimoku track back down to the car park, or turn left onto the Sefton Track which will return you to Lucy’s Gully just below the Waimoku Track entrance.
Getting there: The Waimoku Track begins in Lucy’s Gully. From New Plymouth, follow Devon Street West south, continuing on coastal State Highway 45, 5 km past Oakura. Turn off at the signposted access road.
Davies Track Time: 4 – 5 hr return
Leaving the Surrey Hill Road end the route climbs through farmland, following marker poles to the edge of Egmont National Park. From here it climbs steadily through bush to Patuha Trig, offering great views of the coastline and up to Mt Taranaki.
This walk can be combined with the Waimoku Track (total 4 hr trip) to descend into Lucy’s Gully. You will need to organise transport to pick you up.
When crossing farmland please respect private property, leave gates as you find them and stay on the route.
Getting there: The track is accessed from Surrey Hill Road, off Wairau Road, Oakura.
There is an alternative route - the one I took to place the cache - using the neglected old Wairau track which has its own merits, namely taking in the "Giant's Steps" (two more pitches of near vertical rock), and shorter (about 3.5 hours return) but this is officially a 'closed' track, and now definitely a route, for competent, and confident, trampers only.
Be Prepared for any weather! As with all 'tramping' trips into New Zealand's back country it is important to plan and prepare your trip and be well equipped.
Before you go, know these 5 simple rules of the Outdoor Safety Code to help you stay safe:
- Plan your trip: Take a map/track brochure.
- Tell someone responsible where you are going and your estimated return time.
- Be aware of the weather: Check weather forecasts before you go.
- Know your limits.
- Take sufficient supplies and consider taking a personal locator beacon
This cache is in an alpine environment. Weather on the ranges can change rapidly. You must be well prepared with suitable clothing and equipment for all weather and conditions.
Do please take your own writing stick. I arrived at GZ to place the cache, and realised I'd forgotten to place one in the container. You're looking for a 400ml camo'd sistema placed with Garmin GPSr.