Lake Mangamahoe Lower Lakeside Route

Overview: Lake Mangamahoe is 10 minutes drive south of New Plymouth city on SH3.


Opening hours

7.00am-6.00pm outside of daylight savings.
7.00am-8.30pm during daylight savings.


Directions

The walk may be started at either end of Lake Rd.

The lower lakeside route takes you on an ambling walk close to the lake edge. Lakeside vegetation and regenerating pockets of native bush provide a cooling atmosphere and a home to many birds. Keep an eye out for cheeky fantails.


Natural features

The predominant tree planted for commercial purposes is the radiata pine. This Californian tree has proved most adaptable to New Zealand conditions and is easy to establish, very fast growing and produces wood suitable for a wide range of uses. Due to its outstanding qualities radiata pine has become the most important commercial species in New Zealand.

Along the circuit walk you will meander through a small collection of redwood trees which were planted in 1931. In California, where they originate, they are known as the giants of the forest, reaching heights of up to 11m. Redwoods are known for their longevity.


History

In the early 1920s NPDC purchased land for the construction of a dam and a lake. The purpose of the lake was to act as a water catchment area for the expanding city of New Plymouth. In 1931 the lake was created. This was achieved by forming a dam across the valley and submerging 79 acres. The lake was named after the Mangamahoe Stream which flows into the upper reaches of the lake. Water from both the stream and the nearby Waiwhakaiho River feeds the lake through a 548m pipe.

In order to protect the steep hillside from eroding, development planting was undertaken and shelterbelts were planted to protect the pine trees growing in what is now the Mangamahoe Forest.

The lake itself is also significant to the district in terms of power generation, Trustpower Ltd administers this from the Mangorei Power Station.

Public entry to the forest was once restricted. However, with the increasing demand for leisure use within the forest this restriction was lifted in 1990.

Since then leisure interest has increased considerably and Lake Mangamahoe and its forest now attracts many individual and organised group activities.

Today Lake Mangamahoe is a 262ha commercial production forest administered by us, combined with a scenic park and lake.

Tips: •Be aware of forestry operations and tree felling within the forest.
•Obey safety signs at all times.
•Please be aware of debris hazards. While all care is taken you enter this forest at your own risk.
•Lake Mangamahoe supplies drinking water for New Plymouth District. In the interest of public safety and health boating and swimming is prohibited in the lake.
•Lake levels can fluctuate without warning.
•Fly fishing only is permitted and a fishing licence is required. Contact Fish and Game New Zealand.
•Dogs are prohibited within 200m of the lake edge. Please keep your dog on a lead in all other areas of the forest.
•The forest is a closed game area. No shooting or interfering with the wildlife.
•For your own safety please keep to the marked tracks.