Parent Paced Hiking Group
These meet ups are where Trails & Tots began - an opportunity to find community with those looking to get outside with their pepi/tamariki, enjoy some movement in nature, and explore the Taranaki trail offerings. We ask that bubs ride in packs for these hikes. Stops for feeds, nappy changes, or other baby-related-admin are always understood and accommodated for. We stick together as a group and ensure everyone is supported along the way.
Distance, rough elevation gain, general terrain and overall mahi-required for each location is listed in advance. Please reach out if you have any questions or need to borrow a pack for pepi.
Registration for meet ups is required - please scroll down for calendar.
Our Meet Ups
Nature Play
Nature Play Sessions are for 0-6yr olds (with caregiver present). We set up at some wonderful, accessible, outdoor spots around Taranaki and engage in child-led, open-ended play - an opportunity for little ones to explore and connect. Some activities and loose parts will be provided to encourage creativity and exploration.
There is every chance that we'll get muddy, dirty and a little bit wet - all signs of quality outdoor play - so please come dressed in appropriate gear and bring a towel and change of clothing for after.
Registration for these sessions is required - please see calendar below. Koha appreciated.
* Caregiver must be present and supervising at all times.
Toddler Tramping
Have a little one keen to hit the trails? These meet ups are for those with toddlers/tamariki on foot. We'll start together, move at different paces that suit each whānau's needs, and regroup often. Each hikoi will be short in distance (usually no more than 1.5km), and utilize terrain that is easier for littler legs. A nature-based activity is provided to encourage tamariki along the way.
Registration is required - please scroll down for calendar.
*Caregivers are required to supervise their child(ren) at all times.
Parent Paced Hiking Calendar - Term 3 2026
*All meet ups start at 9:30am unless stated otherwise. Please arrive early enough to be ready to start walking at 9:30am.
- Tuesday July 21st - Araheke/Meeting of the Waters
- Tuesday July 28th - Barrett Domain
- Tuesday August 4th - Te Henui (from Spencer Pl)
- Tuesday August 11th - Ratapihipihi
- Tuesday August 18th - Huatoki Domain
- Tuesday August 25th - Brooklands Park (Somerset Entrance)
- Tuesday September 1st - Araheke/Meeting of the Waters
- Tuesday September 8th - Barrett Domain
- Tuesday September 15th - Te Henui (from Spencer Pl)
- Tuesday September 22nd - Brooklands Park (Somerset Entrance)
Nature Play Calendar - Term 2 2026
All Nature Plays start at 9:30am and end at 11:00am.
Location: NEW!!! All Nature Play sessions this term take place at Pukekura Scouts Hall (outdoor area)
- Friday July 31st
- Friday August 7th
- Friday August 14th
- Friday August 21st
- Friday August 28th
- Friday September 4th
- Friday September 11th
- Friday September 18th
Toddler Tramping - Term 2 2026
*All meet ups start at 9:30am unless stated otherwise. Please arrive early enough to be ready to start walking at 9:30am.
- Tuesday July 21st - Araheke/Meeting of the Waters
- Tuesday July 28th - Barrett Domain
- Tuesday August 4th - Te Henui (from Spencer Pl)
- Tuesday August 11th - Ratapihipihi
- Tuesday August 18th - Huatoki Domain
- Tuesday August 25th - Brooklands Park (Somerset Entrance)
- Tuesday September 1st - Araheke/Meeting of the Waters
- Tuesday September 8th - Barrett Domain
- Tuesday September 15th - Te Henui (from Spencer Pl)
- Tuesday September 22nd - Brooklands Park (Somerset Entrance)
Other Events
- Play in the Park! In collaboration with Sport Taranaki and Imagine, Play, Inspire
Saturday November 29th, 9:30am - 12:30pm - Hatchery Lawn
This event is open to all with activities catered to tamariki of all ages. This year you'll have the opportunity to explore process art invitations with Franzi from Imagine, Play, Inspire, design painted rocks with Sport Taranaki, and explore the "Play Trail" around the park with nature-based activities and challenges along the way. Drop in at any time during the morning for some fun.
Location
Information
Where do we meet?
- Barrett Domain - Roto Street Entrance
- Huatoki Domain - Huatoki Tennis Club Carpark
- Mangamahoe - Main "start point" carpark close to the toilets
- Araheke/Burgess Park - Meeting of the Waters Scenic Reserve Carpark
- Te Henui / Adams Point - Access from Spencer Place
- Ratapihipihi Scenic Reserve - carpark off of Cowling/Ratapihipihi Road
- Brooklands Park - Corner of Kaimata and Somerset Street
- Veronica Loop - North Egmont Visitors Centre
- Ngatoro Loop - North Egmont Visitors Centre
- Wilkies Pools - Dawson Falls Visitors Centre
- Nature Loop - North Egmont Visitors Centre
- Everett Park - Main carpark ; the first carpark on the righthand side of Everett Road as you approach from Inglewood.
- Waiwhakaiho Track - bottom of Egmont Road as it enters the mountain road up to North Egmont Visitors Centre, next to Rahiri Cottage.
- Pukeiti - Main gardens carpark/front entrance
- Ahu Ahu Walk - end of Ahu Ahu Road where toilet block is
