Pet Life Magazine, New Zealand Pet Life Magazine Issue 5 Summer 2017 | Page 7

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WAITAHING
TRAILS
Outside of Whanganui, the Waitahinga Trails offer a wide range
of hikes which cater to a range of abilities. This place is well
and truly in the middle of nowhere – for all the eye can see
there is bush. This is not pram or bike friendly, and would not
suit younger families as it a physical track. However, much
to my surprise, it is one of the best signposted hikes I have
ever been on. There are triangle indicators every few metres,
making it easy to know exactly where you are going. There is a
range of hikes from one hour to eight hours. I do recommend
going on the one-hour walk.
It gives great views of Mt Taranaki and Mt Ruapehu on a
good day. Most of the trails are under
tree cover, so if it is sunny you won’t
overheat too much. This is one of the
areas that I will keep coming back to
because it is a beautiful spot, and a
great place to adventure and explore.
This has less photo opportunities,
apart from the views of the mountains,
so I wouldn’t bother lugging a DSLR
camera up with you. Dogs are allowed
off leash on this walk, but be aware that
there are wild goats, pigs and fowl in
this area that you can cross paths with.