North Egmont day tramps
Located in Egmont National Park and North Egmont area in the Taranaki region
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Introduction
These scenic day tramps offer views of Mount Taranaki and down across the Taranaki Ring Plain to the coast.Dog access
Tahurangi Translator Tower
Time: 1 hr 30 min one way to the tower
Distance: 3.5 km
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 or continue on for a round trip (see below description).
Tahurangi Translator Tower round trip
Time: 4 hr loop
Distance: 7.5 km
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 past the privately owned Tahurangi Lodge and turns right from where it follows a poled route below ancient lava flows across exposed alpine terrain. Turn right at the Holly Hut Junction and descend steeply back to the Visitor Centre.
The track is steep and exposed to the elements. It requires good weather conditions. Upper sections may become impassable due to snow and ice.
Kokowai round trip
Time: 6 hr loop
Distance: 12 km
For those wanting both an alpine and forest experience this is a great all day hike. The upper part of this track is very exposed and not recommended for winter use unless you are equipped with an ice axe and crampons.
From the visitor centre follow the Holly Hut Track through subalpine scenery to where the Kokowai Track turns off just past the Boomerang Slip. Descend the Kokowai Track through forest to eventually join the Kaiauai Track, turning right to head toward Egmont Road. Return to the visitor centre either via the Ram Track (longer and overgrown in places) or up the road.
Take care crossing the active Boomerang Slip - crossing one person at a time is recommended. Some sections of the Kokowai Track have steep drop offs.
Ngatoro - Mangaoraka - Waiwhakaiho - Ram Track round trip
Time: 6-7 hr loop
Distance: 10 km
This challenging tramp heads through some of the last remnants of Taranaki lowland forest.
From the Connett Loop Track descend the Ngatoro Track, eventually crossing the unbridged Waiongana Stream before continuing on to the Mangaoraka Picnic Area. The Ngatoro Track is overgrown in places and navigation may be difficult.
From the picnic area, cross the road and continue on the Mangaoraka Loop Track to the junction with the Waiwhakaiho Track. Turn uphill (left) following the track along the edge of the Waiwhakaiho gorge. At the Kaiauai Track junction turn left toward Egmont Road, continuing on to reach the junction with the Ram Track. From here the Ram Track heads uphill, crossing a couple of small unbridged streams before reaching the Veronica Loop Track. Follow signs from here back to the visitor centre.
This track is overgrown in places and navigation may be difficult. There are unbridged stream crossings which may become impassable after heavy rain. There are toilets and picnic tables at the Mangaoraka Picnic Area.
Waiwhakaiho Track
Time: 2 hr 30 min to Mangaoraka picnic area, 3 hr to Kaiauai carpark
Distance: 5 km to Mangaoraka picnic area, 6.5 km to Kaiauai carpark
Entering the forest at Rahiri Cottage on the edge of Egmont National Park, the track climbs steadily uphill along the edge of the Waiwhakaiho Gorge, high above the Waiwhakaiho River.
There are several tree windfalls, and the track is overgrown in sections. Unbridged stream crossings may become impassable after heavy rain.
Reaching the junction with the Mangaoraka Track, there are a few options available: either exit to the Mangaoraka picnic area to be picked up by prearranged transport or continue on to the Kaiauai carpark on Egmont Road to be picked up by prearranged transport; return down the Waiwhakaiho Track; or continue up on to the Ram Track to North Egmont and complete the Ngatoro - Mangaoraka - Waiwhakaiho - Ram Track.
These tramps are in the Egmont National Park, at North Egmont Roadend approximately a 30 minute 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.
Track conditions
These tracks have overgrown sections and can be hard to navigate. There are several fallen trees. Unbridged stream crossings may become impassable after heavy rain. Some areas are steep and exposed.
Be prepared for changeable weather
Weather on the mountain changes rapidly – you must be well prepared with suitable clothing and equipment for all weather and conditions.
Snow, high rainfall and storm damage can make tracks impassable – many rivers and streams are unbridged.
Check the Egmont National Park weather forecast before you go.
Stay safe in the outdoors
- Take the right gear for your trip: Walking and tramping gear lists.
- Tell a trusted person your plans and when to raise the alarm if you haven’t returned. Send them the information directly, or use the Outdoor Intentions form or Plan My Walk.
- Follow the five essential steps of the Land Safety Code.
Contacts
| Egmont National Park Visitor Centre | |
| Phone: | +64 6 756 0990 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | egmontvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
2879 Egmont Rd Egmont National Park |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 462 New Plymouth 4340 |
| Full office details | |