Mt Taranaki Walking Tracks

Tramping and Hiking in Egmont National Park

Given it’s original Maori name in the 1980’s.....it was previously known as Mt Egmont, after Captain Cook renamed it after an Earl........... who never actually set foot on the place.

Located in the Egmont National Park.......this mountain is a beautiful place to spend a few days enjoying the magical bush walks, and surrounding area.

SKIING ON MT TARANAKI

While it is popular for skiing, it does not have any ski tow, and is a mountain with difficult terrain and very changeable weather. Personally, I would consider it best left to locals to ski. They know and understand the fickle nature of this mountain.

Mt Taranaki Visitor Centres

You can drive up the mountain to the Mt Taranaki Visitor Centres located at the East Side and another on the North side, where you will find all the information you need to make the most of this beautiful part of New Zealand’s North Island.

The mountain is not suited for hiking in the winter months as it is snowbound. November to March - April will be your best times.

NOTE – Walking Track Times – We found the times given on the sign posts were very erratic. The same walk might have 3 different time frames with as much as an hour and a half difference! Check in the Information Centre for accurate times and the weather forecast.

Choose Your Walks

Veronica Loop Track – (2 hours)

Starting beside the Camphouse this is a very lovely track that takes you up through mossy trees. You get good views out over Taranaki from the top of the track, and can walk up the short track to Holly Hut if you want. Then back down to the camphouse via the Ambury Monument.

Ambury Monument Walk – 10-20 minutes

This is the first or last stretch ( depending which way you go) of the Veronica Loop Track. The Ambury Monument was built in 1919 to commemorate the heroic actions of Arthur Ambury who died trying to save W.E Gorlay. It is a pleasant walk with lovely views of the mountain........if it is clear!

This was just stunning with a walk through the “goblin forest”, beautiful green mossy forest floor and trees dripping with mosses, through mountain cedars and karapapa shrub, and back to the bottom of the Information Centre carpark. Ngatoro Loop Track is my pick if you only have an hour! This walk is just magical!

North Egmont Nature Walk - Goblin Forest – 15 minutesYou can do this short track for a taste of some of the most beautiful forest on Mt Taranaki. The montane and sub alpine forest nicknamed “goblin forest”.........doesn’t that sound enticing?

Maketawa Hut Round Trip – 4 hours

This is for those who are fitter. Take the Ngatoro Track from below the Information Centre and turn left at the Maketawa Track Junction.

This takes you through more mossy forest, changing to nikau, cordylines and other flora and fauna. It takes about 2 hours to Maketawa Hut.

Walk through the hut to the outdoor deck for extensive views. Leaving the hut you walk up through alpine vegetation.............steps...steps... and more steps! Eventually you come out on the road just below the Translator Tower. From here you walk back down the road to the Camphouse.

Part of the Northern Summit Route you start by walking up the road. Once up to the snowline you will need suitable gear – crampons and ice axes. You can do the Tahurangi Round Trip around the mountain circuit. Not recommended unless you are experienced or with experienced climbers and fully equipped. You can detour back to Maketawa Hut track and back to the Information centre, or return on the same road.

There are several tracks on the Eastern side and on the Dawson Falls side. Check at egmonttvc@doc.govt.nz

Mt Taranaki Accommodation

North Side

If you plan on staying overnight or longer, there is an historic Camphouse near the North Information Centre with shared facilities at around $35 a night per person, or Rahiri Cottage.

East Side

Konini Lodge at Dawson Falls will suit best if you want to do the Eastern tracks, or you might like to stay in a nearby B&B or motel.

Hiking or Tramping - Be Well Prepared!

Footwear should be strong hiking boots, although good running shoes with soles with good grip are fine for the very short tracks. You cannot venture onto the snow with these shoes!

A waterproof jacket and over trousers.........this is a very high rainfall area. The locals say if you can see the mountain it is going to rain...........if you can’t see it, it is already raining! Warm layers of wool or polypropolene clothing, socks, gloves and hats.

Food and water – take extra for emergencies.

First aid kit, maps, and spare warm wear.

A walking pole is very useful........some of the steps are very deep.

If you are staying in a mountain hut overnight you will need cooking equipment and sleeping bags etc – see the official website.

Hut Tickets or annual Hut Pass if staying overnight on the mountain.

For fuller information on equipment for hiking and tramping in New Zealand check this link.

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