Everett Park Scenic Reserve Walk

Out and back

Highlights & Must-See Features

While the walk itself is short, it is packed with features that make it worth the detour.

• The Fern Carpet: The forest floor here is a masterpiece of greenery. Keep an eye out for the impressive hen and chickens fern (māue), the symmetrical crown fern, and the towering wheki (tree ferns). The sheer variety of textures and shades of green is a photographer's dream.
• Manganui River Access: The reserve borders the picturesque Manganui River. In the height of summer, this becomes a local favourite for a refreshing dip. There are large grassed picnic areas near the river, making it the perfect spot to set up base for a few hours while the kids splash in the shallows.
• The Swing Bridge: A highlight for the young (and the young at heart), the bridge over the Kurapete Stream provides that classic bush-walk thrill and a great spot for a family photo.
• The Cave Walk Detour: If you have an extra 15 minutes, you absolutely must head further up Everett Road to the separate Cave Walk entrance. This short detour leads to a large, shallow cave overhang. If you visit at night with a good headtorch, you’ll be treated to the magical twinkling of glowworms. Even during the day, the cave offers stunning views down into the Manganui River valley.

Getting There

Finding Everett Park Scenic Reserve is a breeze. It is located approximately 8 kilometres from Inglewood.

1. From Inglewood, head east on Rata Street, which turns into Everett Road.
2. Follow Everett Road for about 10 minutes through the rolling countryside.
3. The Southern Entrance is the main parking area. Here, you’ll find ample space, clean toilet facilities, and picnic tables situated near the river.
4. A Northern Carpark is located about 400 metres further up Everett Road if the main area is busy.
5. For the Cave Track, look for the limited off-road parking further up the road past the main reserve gates.

Note: The gates to the reserve are closed at night to protect the area, so if you are planning a late-night glowworm mission, be sure to park outside the main gates and walk in.

Wildlife Spotting

The 77-hectare reserve is a haven for native birdlife, thanks to ongoing pest control efforts that help keep predators like rats and stoats at bay. Because the forest is an isolated "island" of bush in a sea of farmland, the birds here are often concentrated and easy to spot.

• Tūī: You’ll hear them before you see them. Listen for their complex whistles, clicks, and gurgles. They are common year-round and particularly active in the canopy.
• Kererū (New Zealand Pigeon): Look for these large, heavy birds perched on tawa branches. Their iridescent green feathers and white "singlets" make them easy to identify, and you can often hear the distinct "woosh-woosh" of their wings as they fly.
• Pīwakawaka (Fantail): These friendly little birds will likely follow you along the track, flitting about to catch the insects you stir up as you walk.
• Korimako (Bellbird): While a bit more elusive than the Tūī, their liquid, bell-like song is a frequent soundtrack to the walk.
• Kōtare (Sacred Kingfisher): During spring and summer, keep an eye out for these bright blue-and-gold birds perched on branches near the Manganui River.

Tip: For the best birdwatching, try to arrive in the early morning or late afternoon when the "dawn chorus" or evening activity is at its peak.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

Everett Park is a true year-round destination, but each season brings a different flavour to the walk:

• Spring: The forest is at its most vibrant, with new growth on the ferns and high bird activity as the nesting season begins.
• Summer: This is the best time for those who want to combine their walk with a swim in the Manganui River. The deep shade of the tawa forest provides a welcome relief from the Taranaki sun.
• Autumn & Winter: The bush feels atmospheric and moody. The river runs a bit higher, and the mosses and lichens on the trees seem to glow in the softer light.

• What to wear: Comfortable walking shoes are fine, but if it has been raining, boots are better. Even in summer, the bush can be damp.
• Safety: Always bring a light rain jacket, as Taranaki weather is famous for changing in an instant.
• Glowworms: If you’re heading to the cave for the glowworms, bring a reliable headtorch and watch your footing, as the cave floor can be slippery.
• Leave No Trace: There are no rubbish bins on the trail itself, so please pack out what you pack in to keep this rare remnant pristine.
• Dogs: Just a friendly reminder that dogs are not permitted in this reserve to protect the local wildlife.

Local & Regional Context

To appreciate Everett Park, you have to understand its history. Before European settlement and the subsequent development of the dairy industry, the Taranaki "ring plain"—the flat land surrounding the mountain—was covered in dense lowland forest. Today, almost all of that forest is gone, replaced by the lush green paddocks the region is famous for.

Everett Park Scenic Reserve is a vital 77-hectare remnant of that original ecosystem. It serves as a biological "time capsule," showing us what the landscape looked like hundreds of years ago. The presence of tawa and kamahi as dominant species is characteristic of this altitude and soil type. Because so little of this forest type remains, the reserve is a high-priority area for conservation. The local community and Department of Conservation work hard on pest trapping to ensure that the mauri (life force) of the forest remains strong.

After the Walk

After you’ve filled your lungs with fresh forest air, you’ll likely be ready for a bit of local hospitality. Inglewood is just 8km away and has some fantastic spots to refuel:

• Caffe Windsor: A local favourite. If you’re looking for a proper "post-hike" meal or a top-tier coffee, this is the spot. They focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and have a great atmosphere.
• Oscars Kiwi Kafe: If you’re after something quick and classic, you can’t go past Oscars. They are famous for their consistent quality pies and thickshakes—perfect if you’ve got kids in tow who need a treat.
• The Hairy Dog Sports Bar: For a more relaxed, pub-style vibe, "The Dog" is a great choice. It’s a friendly local spot where you can grab a burger or some fish and chips and chat with the locals about the day's adventures.
• Fern Lodge Inglewood: This historic establishment offers satisfying pub meals in a very relaxed setting. It’s a great place to sit back and reflect on your walk over a hearty plate of food.

Everett Park Scenic Reserve Walk may be short, but it offers a profound connection to Taranaki’s natural heritage. Whether you’re crossing the swing bridge, spotting a kererū, or exploring the mystery of the nearby cave, it’s a walk that stays with you long after you’ve returned to the car.

8km away

Offering a straightforward and comfortable stop, Oscars Kiwi Kafe is highlighted for its consistent quality pies and thickshakes, along with friendly service.