Explore Te Ara o Maru this long weekend

It’s Taranaki Anniversary on Monday 11 March and if you’re keen to get out into the great outdoors, Te Ara o Maru, a walkway off the Forgotten World Highway, might just be your new favourite destination.

Te Ara o Maru means pathway of Maru, a name given to the walkway by Ngāti Maru.

This scenic looping track, which allows horse trekking and dogs, may take you uphill, but you’ll be richly rewarded with panoramic views of the natural surroundings of Whangamomona.

The lake within the centre of the walkway offers a very picturesque view, but if you want, you can go even higher to an incredible lookout at the summit. From the lake, the walkway loops back downward to the area where you started.

• Difficulty: Medium
• Estimated journey time: 2 hours
• Dog friendly: Yes, but please use a lead
• Getting there: Te Ara o Maru is accessed off State Highway 43 (Forgotten World Highway) via Mangare Road.