Okato offers several starting points for planning a trip: access to the Puniho Track to Kahui Hut, the Stony River (Hangatahua) Walkway, Ōkato Pool and the remains of Ngaweka Pa. If you’re looking for a place to stay in Okato, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on: should the trip be mainly about a route, swimming, scenery or local history?
Trails and history in Okato
Access to the Puniho Track to Kahui Hut is via Wiremu Road from Puniho Road in Okato. If you’re planning this route, note the road names to help you find your way and check the latest DOC access information before setting out. This helps you plan your drive with confidence.
The remains of Ngaweka Pa are located in the bushland of Ōkato Domain. They offer a historical point of interest in Okato and provide a different focus from the town’s scenic and sporting attractions.
The Stony River (Hangatahua) Walkway passes through lowland forest, consisting mainly of kohekohe and kawakawa. This specific forest composition gives the trail description its distinctive landscape focus.
Outdoor pool and local food
Ōkato Pool has a 25 m outdoor pool with six lanes, as well as a toddlers’ pool. If you’d like to include swimming in your plans, check the current opening days and hours before visiting.
There’s also a specific local connection for planning meals: in 2019, Ōkato Fish n Chips received the national title for the best chips in Aotearoa. The award is a historical point of interest in the town’s food scene.
More ideas in New Plymouth District
In the wider destination of New Plymouth District, you’ll find more distinct cultural and outdoor activities. Puke Ariki has three permanent exhibition galleries covering the region’s history, taonga and natural world. Admission to all areas is free. As admission arrangements can change, check the latest visitor information before your visit.
The Puke Ariki Historic Walk is a guided tour of about 3 km through central New Plymouth and takes two hours. If you’re planning to join the tour, check the dates and booking conditions beforehand. This lets you factor its duration and guided format into your day.
The Coastal Walkway also runs through New Plymouth District: this coastal route is 13.2 km long, stretching from Pioneer Park at Port Taranaki to the eastern side of Bell Block Beach. The section from the Waiwhakaiho River to the Smeaton Road car park provides access to Te Rewa Rewa Bridge.
Brooklands Zoo is home to capuchin monkeys, meerkats, parrots and tortoises, among other animals. From central New Plymouth, you can walk to the zoo through Pukekura Park; alternatively, access is via Brooklands Park Drive. Keepers give talks twice daily on weekends and during school holidays, at 12 pm and 2 pm. Check the latest times before adding them to your day’s plans.
Discover more destinations: Omata, Waiongana, Waitara, Kakaramea.
Return to the wider travel overview: Taranaki.
