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. Walks are around ~3km/1hr in length.
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 October 13th - Araheke/Meeting of the Waters
- Tuesday October 20th - Barrett Domain
- Tuesday October 27th - CANCELLED Te Henui (from Spencer Pl)
- Tuesday November 3rd - Ratapihipihi
- Tuesday November 10th - Huatoki Domain
- Tuesday November 17th - Brooklands Park (Somerset Entrance)
- Tuesday November 24th - Nature Cleanup! Waiwhakaiho (meet at The Little Easy Cafe)
- Tuesday December 1st - Barrett Domain
- Tuesday December 8th - Te Henui (from Spencer Pl)
Sign Up is FREE (Koha welcomed), and allows us to manage safety,
track numbers and seek further funding.
New Plymouth
Nature Play Calendar - Term 2 2026
New Plymouth
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 October 16th
- Friday October 23rd
- Friday October 30th
- Friday November 6th
- Friday November 13th
- Friday November 20th
- Friday November 27th
- Friday December 4th
Sign Up is FREE (Koha welcomed), and allows us to manage safety, track numbers and seek further funding.
Toddler Tramping - Term 2 2026
New Plymouth
*All meet ups start at 9:30am unless stated otherwise. Please arrive early enough to be ready to start walking at 9:30am.
- Tuesday October 13th - Araheke/Meeting of the Waters
- Tuesday October 20th - Barrett Domain
- Tuesday October 27th - CANCELLED Te Henui (from Spencer Pl)
- Tuesday November 3rd - Ratapihipihi
- Tuesday November 10th - Huatoki Domain
- Tuesday November 17th - Brooklands Park (Somerset Entrance)
- Tuesday November 24th - Nature Cleanup! Waiwhakaiho (meet at The Little Easy Cafe)
- Tuesday December 1st - Barrett Domain
- Tuesday December 8th - Te Henui (from Spencer Pl)
Sign Up is FREE (Koha welcomed), and allows us to manage safety, track numbers and seek further funding.
Tiakina te Pā Harakeke - South Taranaki
A collaboration between The Nature Connection Trust & Hapū Wānanga Ki taranaki
Walking group - all ages and stages welcome. All meet ups start at 10am unless stated otherwise. Please arrive early enough to be ready to start walking at 10am. Scroll down for meeting point info.
- Monday October 12th - King Edward Park, Stratford
- Monday October 19th - Ōpunakē Loop Track
- Monday October 26th - HOLIDAY MONDAY - NO WALK
- Monday November 2nd - Naumai Park, Hāwera
- Monday November 9th - King Edward Park, Stratford
- Monday November 16th - Ōpunakē Loop Track
- Monday November 23rd - Hollard Gardens
- Monday November 30th - Rotokare Scenic Reserve
- Monday December 7th - Naumai Park, Hāwera
Sign Up is FREE (Koha welcomed), and allows us to manage safety, track numbers and seek further funding.
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
SOUTH TARANAKI:
- King Edward Park, Stratford - Main Gate Carpark at corner of Portia St and Fenton St - "Malone Memorial Gates"
- Ōpunakē Loop Track - "OBC Opunake Butterfly Club & Freedom Camping"
- Hollard Gardens - Main entrance
- Rotokare Scenic Reserve - Beside toilet block, next to camping area
- Naumai Park, Hāwera - High Rd Entrance, "Pig Out Point"
