Lake Mangamahoe is a long and scenic body of water with its edges skirted by undulating woodland. Radiata pine trees from California surround the lake and a nature trail leads to various picturesque viewpoints. Arrange a picnic with your family in the shade of the giant redwoods that were planted here in the 1930s.

Go mountain biking or horseback riding along the trails and appreciate the stunning scenery. The path encircling the lake runs for 4 miles (6 kilometers) and is considered moderate to hard in difficulty, as the trail is steep and occasionally slippery.

Sit along the shore and spot baby ducklings, geese and black swans, among other wildlife. Stroll through the native shrubland and gaze up at the variety of birds in and around the trees. Climb to the upper ridge of the forest for some of the best views of the lake.

The Mount Taranaki Lookout at the northern end of the lake provides an excellent vista of its namesake rock formation in Egmont National Park. Take photos of the snow-capped natural behemoth, with the water and the forest making up a glorious foreground. Visit the Taranaki Aviation Technology and Transport Museum at the southwestern corner of the lake.

The nature trail opens daily from early morning until late afternoon in winter. It remains open until evening in summer. The lake takes its name from that of the stream that flows into its upper end.

Lake Mangamahoe is on the way inland from New Plymouth toward Egmont Village on the western peninsula of the North Island of New Zealand. Drive south from New Plymouth for 7 miles (11 kilometers) to get here in about 15 minutes. Leave your car in the designated parking lot. Travel south to reach Egmont National Park, where you’ll find Dawson Falls and Mount Taranaki.