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Inglewood
1 km
30 minutes
11 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you find yourself wandering through the heart of Taranaki, just a short drive from the bustling dairy town of Inglewood, you might stumble upon a hidden sanctuary that feels worlds away from the surrounding farmland. Everett Park Scenic Reserve Walk is one of those special places—a rare, untouched pocket of ancient New Zealand that offers a refreshing escape without requiring a full day’s commitment or heavy hiking gear.
At just 1 kilometre in length and taking roughly 30 minutes to complete, this easy stroll is less about the physical challenge and more about the sensory experience. Whether you are a local looking for a peaceful lunch spot or a visitor seeking a slice of "real" New Zealand bush, this reserve delivers in spades. It is a gentle, flat journey that invites you to slow down, breathe in the damp, mossy air, and listen to the song of the forest.
Stepping onto the Everett Park Scenic Reserve Walk feels like entering a natural cathedral. The track is well-formed and remarkably level, with a mere 11 metres of elevation gain, making it an ideal choice for families with young children or those who prefer a "ramble" over a "hike." Because the track is so accessible, it is a fantastic way to introduce kids to the wonders of the New Zealand bush without the "are we there yet?" complaints.
The trail winds through a rare remnant of lowland forest. Unlike the rugged, alpine terrain found further up the slopes of Mount Taranaki, this is a lush, soft landscape. You’ll find yourself walking under a dense canopy of majestic tawa and kamahi trees. These giants create a sheltered environment where the air stays cool and still, even on a warm summer afternoon.
One of the true joys of this walk is crossing the charming swing bridge over the Kurapete Stream. There is something quintessentially "Kiwi" about a forest swing bridge, and this one offers a lovely vantage point to watch the clear water dancing over the stones below. The path meanders through the dense understorey, eventually connecting two separate parking areas within the reserve. This layout gives you a bit of flexibility; you can treat it as a quick out-and-back or explore the various side paths that lead down to the water’s edge.
The terrain is generally easy underfoot, but like any forest track in the Taranaki region, it can get a little muddy after a typical West Coast downpour. However, the dense leaf litter and well-maintained path usually keep things manageable for anyone in a decent pair of sneakers.
The main parking area is located at the southern entrance of Everett Park Scenic Reserve on Everett Road, offering ample space, toilet facilities, and picnic tables near the Manganui River. A second, northern carpark is situated approximately 400 metres further up Everett Road. Gates to the reserve close at night. Limited off-road parking is also available near the separate entrance for the Cave Track.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
8km away
A popular spot in Inglewood, Caffe Windsor is known for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients, delicious meals, and excellent coffee, perfect for a post-hike refuel.
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Out and back
While the walk itself is short, it is packed with features that make it worth the detour.
Finding Everett Park Scenic Reserve is a breeze. It is located approximately 8 kilometres from Inglewood.
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.
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.
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.
Everett Park is a true year-round destination, but each season brings a different flavour to the walk:
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 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:
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.
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Zosterops lateralis
Small bird with distinctive white eye-ring. Commonly seen in flocks, feeding on insects, fruit, and nectar.
Best time: Year-round
Anthornis melanura
Endemic songbird with bell-like calls. Males are olive-green with a purple head sheen; females are browner with a narrow white-yellow stripe across the cheek.
Best time: Year-round
Todiramphus sanctus vagans
With striking blue-green plumage and a strong bill, this kingfisher is often seen perched near water, diving to catch fish, crustaceans, and insects.
Best time: Spring-Summer
Tadorna variegata
Large, colourful duck endemic to New Zealand. Males have dark plumage; females have white heads and chestnut bodies.
Best time: Year-round
8km away
Offering a straightforward and comfortable stop, Oscars Kiwi Kafe is highlighted for its consistent quality pies and thickshakes, along with friendly service.
8km away
A well-loved local pub in Inglewood with a friendly atmosphere, The Hairy Dog serves classic pub food like burgers and fish and chips, and is a great spot to watch sports or enjoy a quiz night.
8km away
This establishment in Inglewood functions as both a restaurant and a pub, known for serving satisfying pub meals in a relaxed setting.