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Tracks & walks

Pouakai Circuit

Taranaki region

Mt Taranaki.

Pouakai Track junction

Map of New Zealand highlighting the Taranaki region.

The Pouakai Circuit is an awe-inspiring chapter in the New Zealand landscape and geology story. The turmoil of centuries of volcanic activity is apparent as soon as you cross the active erosion scar of the Boomerang slip and pass beneath the towering columns of the Dieffenbach cliffs.

The circuit traverses lowland rain forest, sub-alpine and alpine vegetation zones, and crosses the unique Ahukawakawa wetland and the headwaters of the Stony (Hangatahua) River.

Time:

2 - 3 days

Distance:

25 km

Features

The Pouakai Circuit is an awe-inspiring chapter in the New Zealand landscape and geology story, written in every step through many of the most beautiful areas of Egmont National Park.

Track description

Day by day description of the track.

Places to stay

There are two huts on the Pouakai Circuit - the Holly Hut and the Pouakai Hut.

Plan & prepare

Information on getting there and what you need to know to plan a safe and enjoyable trip.

Highlights:

Egmont National Park

Egmont National Park can be found on the western coast of New Zealand's North Island. Here the volcano Taranaki (or Mt Egmont as it is also known) rules supreme.

Find out more

Publications

Pouakai Circuit brochure (PDF, 1300K)

Easy access walks - North Island
Easy access walks - South Island

Weather

Maps

New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres

Learn more

Track category definitions

Plan and prepare for your trip

Stop the spread of didymo
Check, Clean, Dry all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.

Safety

Follow the Outdoor Safety Code:
1. Plan your trip
2. Tell someone
3. Be aware of the weather
4. Know your limits
5. Take sufficient supplies

Safety alerts for Taranaki tracks

Contacts

Taranaki Area Office
Phone:	+64 6 759 0350

Email:
Full office details

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