Viewing Platform Walk

Located in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki and North Egmont area in the Taranaki region

A wheelchair friendly boardwalk to a platform with stunning views of Taranaki and the coastline.

Limited parking at North Egmont road end

Car parking at the North Egmont road end is limited until December 2026 due to construction of the new visitor centre.

Large trucks will be using the road, so please drive carefully and expect occasional delays. We recommend carpooling or using a shuttle if you're planning a visit. The North Taranaki Visitor remains open.

For more information contact North Taranaki Visitor Centre ph 06 756 0990.

No camping sign

No freedom camping in North Taranaki Visitor Centre car park

From 19 December 2025, freedom camping is prohibited at the North Taranaki Visitor Centre car park at Egmont Road end. You can overnight camp at Stratford Plateau car park on Pembroke Road or Mangorei Road car park (Pouakai Tarns tramp).

From the visitor centre, follow the wheelchair friendly boardwalk through bush to a viewing platform and the historic Camphouse.

There are stunning views of Taranaki, the coastline and inland to the central North Island mountains. On a fine day Ruapehu, Ngaruahoe and Tongariro are visible.

The track starts at the North Taranaki Visitor Centre.

To get there, head 13 km south from New Plymouth to Egmont Village. Turn off State Highway 3 on to Egmont Road and follow it for 16 km to the end. The visitor centre is signposted from the junction.

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 Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki weather forecast before you go.

Historic Camphouse

New Zealand’s oldest building within a national park is found at North Egmont. The historic Camphouse was originally used as military barracks in New Plymouth during the Taranaki Wars of the 1860s. The building was sledged to North Egmont in 1891 for use as accommodation.

The Camphouse has been restored and upgraded for backpacker accommodation – but many of its unique historic features such as handwrought corrugated iron with rifle firing slits (loopholes) and tongue and groove timber panelling are still visible.