Pouakai Crossing, Lower North Island

This spectacular one-day walk takes in the highlights of the Pouakai Circuit, with great views across a variety of landscapes.

Where is it?

Starts at North Egmont Visitor Centre and finishes at the Egmont National Park boundary at Mangōrei Rd. You need to use a shuttle service or arrange transportation with two vehicles.

Need to know

The best time to walk the Pouakai Crossing is from December to April. It can be walked year round but the higher parts can be affected by snow and ice in winter.

No dogs

7-9hr; 19km one way

Reasonable fitness required – moderately challenging walk

TRACK OVERVIEW

The track is well-formed and popular. Taranaki Maunga features significantly and you can also expect to frame views over north Taranaki countryside to the coast and inland to Mt Ruapehu in your camera.

The walk winds past lava columns, rivers and streams, the Ahukawakawa Swamp and across the golden tussocks of the Pouakai plateau.

It finishes with a descent through forest to the lower Pouakai Ranges. Parts of the track are muddy and it’s a very full day so be prepared, check the weather and check for alerts and changes to thetrack at the visitor centre or on the DOC website.

Pouakai Crossing, Egmont National Park © Adobe Stock

Looking for a place to stay? Book accommodation at aa.travel.co.nz