North Egmont Roadend
Introduction
This is a pleasant drive through native forest on Mt Taranaki’s northern slopes taking you to the North Egmont Visitor Centre at an altitude of 936 metres. It is the start point for a number of walks on this side of the mountain.
Location
Located in Egmont National Park on the northern slopes of Mt Taranaki at the top end of Egmont Road.
Getting there
The roadend is at the top of Egmont Road, 29 km from New Plymouth. The road winds for 6 km through dense podocarp/broadleaf rainforest, with large rimu and rata trees on the lower slopes of the mountain. It climbs steeply through the wetter and cooler montane forest with kamahi, mosses, liverworts and ferns.
Features
North Egmont (Te Wai Whakaiho) Visitor Centre
North Egmont visitor centre, North
Egmont Roadend
The visitor centre houses comprehensive displays on the volcanic history and ecology of Egmont National Park along with displays of the European and Maori history of the mountain. There is a small café and a retail area where you can buy maps and brochures, and DOC staff are available for help with track information and weather updates.
This is a wonderful place to visit, offering stunning views of the Mountain, surrounding countryside and the Taranaki bright.
The Camphouse
The Camphouse at North Egmont
Roadend
50 metres from the visitors centre is the historic Camphouse, opened in 1892. This building was shifted to its present site in 1891 from New Plymouth's Marsland Hill, where it was a military barracks for the local regiment during 1860 Taranaki Land Wars.
The building underwent a major restoration and upgrade in 1999. It has been associated with mountain recreation for over 100 years and is the oldest building in any national park in New Zealand. The building has a Historic Places Trust category one registration.
Ambury Memorial
Five minutes from the Camphouse on the Holly Hut Track is a monument in memory of Arthur Hamilton Ambury who gave his life in a heroic attempt to save W.E. Gourlay who slipped on ice on 3rd June 1918. Both died in the fall over the Ambury Bluff.
Activities
Scenic driving
This is a pleasant drive up the northern slopes of Mt Taranaki to the North Egmont Visitor Centre.
Tracks and walks
These short walks are in the Egmont National Park, at North Egmont Roadend.
Explore the North Egmont area of Egmont National Park which features lush native forest and on a clear day some spectacular scenery.
Scenic tramps that offer views of Mount Taranaki and down across the Taranaki Ring Plain to the coast.
There are many tramping opportunities in this area ranging from short walks to more adventurous undertakings.
Places to stay
There is a motel and other accommodation available in locations close to the park. On the north side of the mountain, the Camphouse is run as a backpacker style booked accommodation.
Plan and prepare
Weather on Mt Taranaki is very changeable and difficult to predict. It is advisable to carry enough clothing and equipment to ensure you are prepared for any weather type, and to enjoy your stay.
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