Fantastic walks in Taranaki

Eight walks for every ilk...

1. MT TARANAKI

It’s not every day you get to climb an active volcano. Tackling the summit of Mt Taranaki is a gruelling four to six-hour ascent and then a three to five-hour descent. It’s for seasoned hikers only. Be warned: the weather can change from harmonious to harrowing in a millisecond.

2. EGMONT NATIONAL PARK

Mt Taranaki aside, there are more than 200km of walking tracks in the park, ranging from 15 minutes to multi-day assaults. Which brings us nicely to…

3. THE POUAKAI CROSSING

This heavenly one-day walk rivals that of the more populous Tongariro Crossing. Tramp the slopes of Mt Taranaki and cross the Ahukawakawa wetlands to mirrored alpine lakes. This trek can be spread over two glorious days if you stay overnight in a DOC hut.

4. THE HIDDEN VALLEY WALK

Reached by hugging the windy Taranaki roads between Stratford and Putangi. This short, 30-minute walk leads through redwood trees resonating with bird song. If you explore after dark, the shadows come alive with glowworms.

5. MT DAMPER FALLS

Plunging 74 metres into a basin of smooth slated rocks, access is via an easy 20-minute walk off the main road, cutting through one kilometre of farmland.

Mt Damper Falls © Venture Taranaki

6. ROTOKARE AND ROTORANGI LAKES

Meander along the various tracks that weave in and around these two picturesque lakes.

7. HOLLARD GARDENS

Visitors are spoiled with easy walking paths, as well as complimentary barbecues, free tea and coffee in the Hollard Centre and free overnight parking for campervans in their car park!

8. TE POPO GARDENS

Worth a visit for its 13 hectares of woodland and river gorges, as well as placid ponds and three bridges. A reasonable $5 entrance fee is required.

Main Image: Mt Taranaki reflected in Pouakai Tarns, Pouakai Crossing © Jeremy Beckers