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Egmont National Park Must Do's
Taranaki Maunga Summit Track
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You need to be fit, well-equipped and arrive in season (December to April) to summit this demanding peak. A serious 10-hour hike awaits. Snow-covered winter ascents are for seasoned mountaineers only.
Pouākai Crossing
A hike to rival the more populous Tongariro Crossing, this is one of the best day walks in the country. Covering 18km, there are landslide crossings to navigate and stunning views.
Around the Mountain Circuit
Best tramped October to April, this challenging 52km loop is entangled with undulating forest, wild riversand disorientating alpine scenery. Enjoy four to five days of pure wilderness.
The Pouākai Circuit
Little wonder this is the park’s premier two to three-day/25km tramp – dazzling views of Taranaki Maunga are just the beginning. Between the forest, fields and swamps, scars left by centuries of volcanic activity include red-watered streams and ancient lava flows. Trampers will want to stay at Pouākai Hut, which must be booked in advance.
Wilkies Pools
Part of the Kāmahi Walk, a series of natural plunge pools hide in the forest. Good for families, the 1.9km track is easy and takes approximately 80 minutes. Visitors love the swing bridge, stream paddles and quick dips in cool pools.
Dawson Falls/Te Rere o Noke
The 10-minute walk to this 18m-high waterfall starts from its namesake visitor centre and the forest setting to get there is simply beautiful.
Goblin Forest
Otherwise known as the Kāmahi Walk, in East Egmont, this is where the trees have grown in and around one another, with an abundance of moss adding to the ‘hairy’ jumble. Spooky yet spectacular.
Taranaki Maunga © Venture Taranaki
SURF HIGHWAY 45
Officially State Highway 45, it’s dubbed Surf Highway 45 for the wild surf breaks between New Plymouth and Hāwera. World-class swells are sought at the famous Kumera Patch as well as Stent Road; other highlights include Cape Egmont Lighthouse, the Historic Cape Light and Museum, Everybody’s Theatre and the shipwreck of SS Gairloch.
