Discover Okato: Forest Walks, Swimming and Cultural History

Okato: Nature and a Day of Swimming

Okato offers trip-planning opportunities in nature, swimming and local culture. Access to the Puniho Track to Kahui Hut is via Wiremu Road, from Puniho Road in Okato. The Stony River (Hangatahua) Walkway passes through lowland forest, while the bushland of Ōkato Domain contains the remains of Ngaweka Pā. Ōkato Pool adds an outdoor swimming pool and a toddlers’ pool to the mix. When looking for a hotel, you can decide which of these experiences you want to shape your stay.

Forest Walks and Cultural History

The Stony River (Hangatahua) Walkway passes through lowland forest, consisting mostly of kohekohe and kawakawa. These plants give the walk a distinctive landscape character. Access to the Puniho Track to Kahui Hut is via Wiremu Road, from Puniho Road in Okato.

The bushland of Ōkato Domain contains the remains of Ngaweka Pā, adding a focus on cultural history to the nature experiences. Okato brings different interests together: the lowland forest of the Stony River Walkway, access to the Puniho Track and the remains at Ōkato Domain. Depending on what interests you most on your trip, you can give one of these aspects greater weight in your plans.

A Day of Swimming at Ōkato Pool

Ōkato Pool has a 25 m outdoor swimming pool with six lanes and a toddlers’ pool. The lanes and toddlers’ pool offer different options for a day of swimming. For families with young children, the toddlers’ pool may be a relevant consideration when planning the day. If swimming is to be a regular part of your itinerary, check the current opening dates in advance. This will help you weigh a visit to the pool against your other interests in forests and local history.

A Local Food Connection

In 2019, Ōkato Fish n Chips received the national title for the best fries in Aotearoa. This title adds a specific culinary note alongside Okato’s nature and cultural experiences, and appeals to travellers looking for local food stories when choosing a destination.

New Plymouth District: Coast, Culture and Wildlife

The wider destination of New Plymouth District offers additional landscapes and experiences. The Coastal Walkway is a 13.2 km route along the coastline, from Pioneer Park at Port Taranaki to the eastern side of Bell Block Beach. The section from the Waiwhakaiho River to the car park on Smeaton Road provides access to Te Rewa Rewa Bridge. The region therefore offers both a coastal route and a specifically named section of track with access to the bridge.

Puke Ariki has three permanent exhibition galleries covering the region’s history, taonga and natural world. Entry to all areas is free; check the latest entry information before visiting. Another way to explore is the guided Puke Ariki Historic Walk through central New Plymouth. The tour is about 3 km long and takes two hours. As times and booking conditions may change, it is advisable to check the latest tour information before planning your visit.

Brooklands Zoo is home to capuchin monkeys, meerkats, parrots and tortoises, among other animals. Keepers give talks twice a day on weekends and during school holidays, at 12 pm and 2 pm. Check the current schedule before your visit if you would like to attend one of these talks.

The interpretive track at Pukerangiora Pā offers a different focus: this easy loop track goes around the pā and features wide views from the clifftop lookout, as well as archaeological points of interest. In the wider New Plymouth District, the Stony River (Hangatahua) Walkway offers another way to experience nature and choose a route. It passes through lowland bush, offers views of Taranaki Maunga and can be walked as an out-and-back route or a loop.

Discover More Destinations

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Return to the main travel overview: Taranaki.