Te Toto Lower Gorge Track

Out and back

The Te Toto Lower Gorge Track is packed with natural wonders and rich heritage that make every ounce of sweat worth it. Here are the absolute highlights you cannot miss:

• The Ancient Māori Gardens: Once you reach the grassy coastal terrace, you are walking through living history. This sheltered, fertile basin was intensively cultivated by Māori in the 1700s. Look closely and you will see the remarkable remnants of stone boundary walls, planting terraces, and ancient karaka groves. These earthworks are a poignant connection to the early tūpuna (ancestors) who lived and gardened under the shadow of the mountain.
• Volcanic Cliff Faces: The gorge is a geologist's dream. Carved out by the Te Toto Stream, the towering 150-metre cliffs showcase fifteen distinct layers of ancient lava flows. This is a visible timeline of Mount Karioi’s volcanic eruptions dating back 2.4 million years.
• Carbonised Logs: Keep your eyes peeled near the bottom of the gorge where the ancient lava flows met the sea. In some of the basalt layers, you can actually spot the carbonised remains of ancient logs, preserved for millions of years after being engulfed by molten rock.
• The Ocean View Looking Up: Standing at the bottom of the gorge on the edge of the wild Tasman Sea, turn around and look back up. The scale of the massive, amphitheatre-like cliffs looming above you is incredibly humbling and offers a perspective very few visitors to Raglan ever get to see.

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Getting There

To find the trailhead, head south from the Raglan township along Whaanga Road for about 13 to 14 kilometres.

Be prepared for a bit of classic Kiwi backroad driving: the final 4 kilometres of Whaanga Road are unsealed, narrow, winding, and gravelly. While a standard sedan can make the journey if driven with care, a high-clearance SUV or van is highly recommended for a more comfortable ride.

The Te Toto Gorge car park is situated right on the cliffside. Parking is free but quite limited, and because this is also a popular spot for sunset watchers, it can fill up quickly on weekends and during the summer holidays. We highly recommend arriving early in the morning to secure a park. As with many scenic spots in New Zealand, please play it safe and leave no valuables in your vehicle.

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Wildlife Spotting

The transition from dense native forest to coastal scrub makes this gorge a fantastic pocket of biodiversity. As you descend through the bush, keep an ear out for the cheerful chatter of Pīwakawaka (New Zealand Fantail) and the high-pitched calls of the Miromiro (Tomtit), both of which are common year-round.

High in the canopy of the karaka and puriri trees, you are highly likely to spot the large, heavy-winged Kererū (New Zealand Pigeon) feasting on berries. Down closer to the coastal edge, look out for the brilliant blue flash of a Kōtare (Sacred Kingfisher) diving for prey.

If you are exploring late in the day, you might hear the haunting call of the Ruru (Morepork) as twilight settles over the gorge. For the incredibly lucky, the steep coastal cliffs occasionally host breeding Ōi (Grey-faced Petrel) between June and March, and very rarely, a Kororā (Little Penguin) might be spotted nesting near the rocky shoreline during those same breeding months.

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Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

• Best Seasons: The track is best hiked in Spring, Summer, and Autumn. Winter rain can turn the unmaintained clay sections into an incredibly slick mud-slide, making the steep descent downright dangerous.
• Best Time of Day: Start your walk mid-morning. This ensures you beat the midday heat for the steep climb back up, and you’ll find it much easier to park.
• What to Bring: Good hiking boots with excellent grip are non-negotiable here. Leave the sneakers at home. Bring at least 1.5 litres of water per person, plenty of high-energy snacks, a windproof jacket (the Tasman coast is notoriously breezy), and plenty of sun protection, as the lower terrace offers very little shade.
• Weather Warnings: This coastline is highly exposed to wild westerly weather. Do not attempt this hike during or immediately after heavy rain, or during high winds, as the risk of slipping on the steep clay track or getting sprayed by rough seas at the bottom is very high.

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Local & Regional Context

To stand at the bottom of Te Toto Gorge is to stand on the edge of a sleeping giant. The massive amphitheatre was formed by the erosion of Mount Karioi, an extinct stratovolcano that erupted over 2 million years ago. For local Māori, Mount Karioi is a deeply sacred ancestor, often referred to as the "Sleeping Lady" because of its distinctive silhouette when viewed from the north.

The sheltered microclimate of the gorge, coupled with the rich, fertile volcanic soil, made this one of the most productive gardening sites on the west coast. The karaka trees you see today are descendants of the original groves planted by Māori, who harvested and carefully prepared the toxic orange kernels as a vital winter food source. This area is a protected historic reserve, so please treat the stone walls and terraces with the utmost respect—do not climb on them or move any stones.

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After the Walk

After conquering the climb back up to your car, you will have absolutely earned a treat. Head back down the gravel road into Raglan's vibrant town centre to refuel at one of our favourite local spots:

• The Shack: Located right in the heart of town, this highly-rated cafe is a local institution. Famous for its exceptionally friendly service, incredible New Zealand-style brunch menu, and top-tier coffee, it is the ultimate spot to sit back, relax, and swap stories about your hike.
• Raglan Roast Coffee: If you just need a quick, world-class caffeine hit and a laid-back vibe, head down Volcom Lane to find Raglan Roast. It is famous for its locally hand-roasted beans, cheap prices, and retro surf culture atmosphere.
• Orca Eatery & Bar: Looking for something a bit more substantial? Head to Orca, situated right on the waterfront. Grab a seat on the deck with stunning inner harbour views and tuck into fresh, locally sourced seafood, a gourmet burger, or a cold craft beer as the sun goes down.

The Shack

13.8km away

A highly-rated cafe in Raglan known for its delicious New Zealand cuisine, excellent coffee, and friendly, attentive service. A popular spot for breakfast and lunch.