Pouakai Range tramping tracks
Tramping track
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.
Once a mighty volcano of similar size to Mt Taranaki, the Pouakai Range has eroded to produce a rugged range of rolling hills covered in sub alpine bush. Tucked between the range and the mountain the Ahukawakawa Swamp is the largest montane mire in the park and home to 260 different plant species.
Description
Maude Track to Mangakotukutuku Falls
Mangakotukutuku Falls
Time: 3 hr return
Getting there
Follow Kent Road from State Highway 3 south of New Plymouth. Turn right on to Maude Road and follow it to the end. Limited car parking is available.
Description
From the road end the track crosses farmland to the boundary of Egmont National Park. From here it climbs a spur on the Pouakai Range, arriving finally at the Mangakotukutuku Falls. A Maori oven can be found just below the junction of the Falls track on the true left side. Care must be taken not to disturb this archaeological feature.
When crossing farmland please respect private property, leave gates as you find them and stay on the route.
Mangorei Track to Pouakai Hut
Time: 4 - 5 hr return
Getting there
The track begins at the end of Mangorei Road, New Plymouth.
Description
From the car parking area walk up the driveway, turning left at the water tank and heading into the bush. Often muddy in the lower reaches, the track climbs steadily to the 16 bunk Pouakai Hut. Walk five minutes past the hut for great views down over Ahukawakawa Swamp.
This is a good short day tramp, or you can stay over night at Pouakai Hut.
Places to stay
This is a serviced sixteen-bunk hut in the Taranaki area.
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