This barrier-free track starts at the Potaema picnic area about 3km from the national park boundary on Pembroke Road. The fully accessible, wheelchair/pushchair-friendly track is suited to all abilities and exhibits a rainforest environment lush with its hanging gardens and carpets of moss and ferns dwarfed by a towering forest. It is the perfect short walk for anyone wanting to experience the beauty of Taranaki Maunga without committing to a hike.

From the viewing platform, on a fine day, you can see a magnificent view of the mountain towering over the swamp and see the origins of the track's name: Potae (hat) ma (top or white).

Key points of interest:

  • Potaema is the most accessible of the lowland mires in the park and has the greatest variety of vegetation.
  • No matter the time of the year, Potaema will display an array of flowering plants, native birds, and insects. 
  • You’ll pass through lush lowland forest made up of rimu, rātā, kāmahi, kahikatea, mountain tōtara, pokaka and a few pahautea or mountain cedar.
  • Magnificent views of the mountain can be seen across the swamp from the viewing area. 

For further information contact New Plymouth, Stratford or South Taranaki i-SITE Visitor Centre, or view the downloadable brochures from our website.

 

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