Lake Mangamahoe, Taranaki

Taranaki locals love their province, coining it ‘Taradise’. A favourite spot for me that exudes the essence of Taradise, especially at dawn, is Lake Mangamahoe. The lake is the perfect spot to enjoy dawn views and, when calm, mirror reflections of Mt Taranaki.

For walkers, there’s also a well sign-posted 6km circuit that undulates around Lake Mangamahoe. It passes radiata pine forest, mature ornamental tree plantings, pockets of regenerated native bush and some impressive viewpoints. Perhaps the best is a bit more than halfway along Lake Road, at a turn-around/car park point giving a view south, across the lake to the mountain. Another vantage point is easily reached on a short walk beyond the northern end of Lake Road along a trail above the lake.

Facilities abound – picnic areas, toilets, ample car parking, a mountain biking area and horse riding trails.