Ratapihipihi Scenic Reserve walk
Track category
Short walk
Time:
45 min
Description
Ratapihipihi Scenic Reserve
The track is well graded though steep in places, and guides you through coastal forest and past a scenic waterfall. There is a large sheltered picnic area next to the carpark. Look out for the two old saw pits beside the track, which are remnants of historical logging operations.
Getting there
From New Plymouth, drive to the southern end of Tukapa Street, turn into Davies Street, and then onto Cowling Road. After 2km turn right into the signposted drive to the reserve.
About the area
Here you will see an outstanding example of a lush, temperate rainforest with kohekohe, tawa, puketea and nikau palms.
The name Ratapihipihi is derived from a traditional Maori hunting method. Hunters would attract kaka and other birds by sitting in a tree and making a "pihipihi" call by blowing through a leaf placed in the mouth. The birds attracted were then killed with a short club and eaten.
Plan and prepare
Before you go into the outdoors, tell someone your plans and leave a date to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. To do this, use the New Zealand Outdoors Intentions process on the AdventureSmart website. It is endorsed by New Zealand's search and rescue agencies and provides three simple options to tell someone you trust the details about your trip.
Location map
Related link
Ratapihipihi Scenic Reserve field trip