East Egmont tramping tracks
Tramping track
Getting there
Access to the eastern sector of Mount Taranaki is provided by Pembroke Road which leads directly to the park boundary from the northern end of Stratford township.
About the area
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.
The road climbs through podocarp/broadleaf forest and then the montane forest, reaching the accommodation centre of the Mountain House Motor Lodge. The road winds its way another 3km to the road end car park at The Plateau (1172m) where there is superb views of the surrounding countryside.
During winter months the Manganui skifield is open for public use.
Description
Waingongoro Track to Waingongoro Hut
Time: 3hr return
The track begins in the car park below the Mountain House Motor Lodge
This tramp to the 16 bunk Waingongoro Hut is a good overnight trip. The well-benched track leads through montane forest, crossing three streams before arriving at the swing bridge that over the Waingongoro River. The hut turn off is reached shortly after.
Curtis Falls
Time: 2 - 3 hr return
The track starts at the top end of the parking area opposite the Mountain House Motor Lodge.
Follow the Curtis Falls track from the carpark, turning right down steps into the valley of the Te Popo Stream. Steps and ladders up the other side lead steeply uphill before dropping sharply to the gorge of the Manganui River. Follow the river bed upstream to the falls. The second set of falls is 15 min past the first.
Return along the track to go back to the car park, or continue along the track to Maketawa Hut.
Plan and prepare
What to expect on a tramping track:
- Challenging day or multi-day tramping/hiking
- Track is mostly unformed with steep, rough or muddy sections
- Suitable for people with good fitness. Moderate to high level backcountry skills and experience, including navigation and survival skills required
- Track has markers, poles or rock cairns. Expect unbridged stream and river crossings
- Tramping/hiking boots required