North Egmont tramping tracks
Tramping track
Getting there
These tramps are in the Egmont National Park, at North Egmont Roadend approximately a ½ hour drive from New Plymouth. Drive south on State Highway 3 to Egmont Village and turn right onto Egmont Road. North Egmont is at the end of this road.
About the area
This area of Egmont National Park offers stunning views of the mountain and surrounding countryside. The visitor centre has track and walk information and displays on the history of the area.
Explore the North Egmont area of Egmont National Park which features lush native forest and on a clear day some spectacular scenery.
Description
Ngatoro Loop Track
Time: 1 hr
Descend into a valley through “goblin forest” lichen and moss covered twisted trees, cross a stream and climb back up to the visitor centre.
Follow the board walk from the Visitor Centre uphill past the Camphouse onto the Summit Track. The Ngatoro Loop Track is 400 metres along on the left.
The track is steeped and steep in some places and has an unbridged stream crossing.
Tahurangi Translator Tower
Time: 1 hr 30 min one way
This is a scenic climb following a 4WD track uphill through changing alpine vegetation to a viewing point beside a commercial translator tower. Good views of the surrounding countryside and the mountain.
Take the boardwalk from the Visitor Centre up past the Camphouse and follow the signs on to the Summit Track. The track is very steep in some places and exposed to the elements.
Return the same way.
Maketawa Hut
Time: 1 hr 15 min one way
A scenic tramp with bush and mountain views. Picnic or stay overnight at Maketawa Hut. Follow the boardwalk from the Visitor Centre uphill past the Camphouse, joining the Summit track and climbing to eventually meet the Maketawa Hut turnoff. Descend steeply to the hut turnoff.
Return via the same route, or turn right from the Maketawa hut track entrance to return to the Visitor Centre along a bush track, crossing several unbridged streams.
Tahurangi Round Trip
Time: 4 hr
A very scenic tramp offering views up to the summit and out to the coast. The track climbs from rainforest to subalpine forest and tussock before passing below ancient lava flows and descending to the Visitor Centre.
From the Visitor Centre take the board walk up past the Camphouse then follow signage to the Tahurangi Translator Tower. The track continues on to the privately owned Tahurangi Lodge and turns right from where it crosses alpine tussock before descending steeply to the visitor centre.
The track is steep and exposed to the elements. It may not be accessible in winter months.
Holly Hut
Time: 4 hr one way
This is a good day tramp - or a great introduction to an overnight tramp. The upper part of this route is very exposed and not recommended for winter use unless you are equipped with an ice axe and crampons.
Follow the boardwalk from the Visitor Centre up past the Camphouse on to the Holly Hut Track. The track passes the Ambury Monument then climbs steadily uphill to the Plateau junction and continues past the Boomerang Slip ascending to the Kokowai Track junction before descending to the Ahukawakawa Swamp and on to Holly Hut.
The track is steep and has some unbridged river crossings.
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