Waingongoro Hut tracks
Located in Dawson Falls area and East Egmont area and Egmont National Park in the Taranaki region
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Introduction
Waingongoro Hut is a good overnight tramp for families with children and new trampers - walk through goblin forest, stop for a swim in lava-formed pools, and cross the highest swing bridge in Egmont National Park.Various: 2.3 km one way | 2.9 km one way one way
Dog access
Image gallery
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Wilkies Pools on the way to Waingongoro Hut Image: Bev Bacon | DOC
![Wilkies Pools.]( "Wilkies Pools.")
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Mt Taranaki between Dawson Falls and Waingongoro Hut Image: Bev Bacon | DOC
![Mt Taranaki from track between Dawson Falls and Waingongoro Hut.]( "Mt Taranaki from track between Dawson Falls and Waingongoro Hut.")
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Goblin forest between Dawson Falls and Waingongoro Hut Image: Bev Bacon | DOC
![Goblin forest on the track from Dawson Falls to Waingongoro Hut.]( "Goblin forest on the track from Dawson Falls to Waingongoro Hut.")
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Track from Waingongoro Hut to North Egmont Image: Bev Bacon | DOC
![Track from Waingongoro Hut to North Egmont.]( "Track from Waingongoro Hut to North Egmont.")
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Waingongoro Hut Image: | DOC
![Waingongoro Hut.]( "Waingongoro Hut.")
Waingongoro Hut from Dawson Falls
Time: 1 hr 30 min
Distance: 2.3 km
Follow the Wilkies Pool Loop Track from just above the visitor centre, rock hopping across the Kapuni Stream. Join the Ridge Track and climb uphill to meet the Waingongoro Track. Follow this downhill, past the 24 m high Waingongoro swing bridge, to the hut. Return the same way or via Wilkies Pools.
Kapuni Stream is usually shallow but after heavy rain can become unpassable. Alternate access is via a bridge lower down Kapuni Stream. From the visitor centre walk 50 m down Manaia Road to the Kapuni Loop Track entrance. Follow signs to the Ridge Track, crossing the bridge before climbing uphill to reach Waingongoro Track, leading down to the hut.
Waingongoro Hut from East Egmont
Time: 1 hr 30 min
Distance: 2.9 km
From Ngāti Ruanui Stratford Mountain House, the track crosses several unbridged streams before reaching the Waingongoro swing bridge. Rivers may be impassable after heavy rain. Across the bridge a short track leads down to the hut.
Return the same way.
Note: Waingongoro Hut borders a cliff edge overlooking Waingongoro River. Take care near the cliff edge - there is no barrier. Do not walk or camp on the helipad.
Dawson Falls
- Starting in Stratford, turn off SH23 into Celia Street, which becomes Opunake Road.
- Follow this for 14 km, then turn right into Manaia Road.
- Continue on this road for 9 km up the mountain to Dawson Falls Visitor Centre.
East Egmont
In Stratford, turn off SH3 onto Pembroke Road. Follow this up the mountain for 15 km to Stratford Mountain House.
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 when crossing rivers
If you plan to cross unbridged rivers, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.
Do not cross if the river is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.
Expect a backcountry tramping track
This is a typical backcountry tramping track, with uneven surfaces, tree roots and muddy parts. We recommend sturdy footwear with good grip.
What to take
Pack everything on the Day Hikes gear list, or the Overnight gear list if you are staying at the hut.
Contacts
| Dawson Falls Visitor Centre | |
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| Phone | +64 27 443 0248 |
| egmontvc@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | Manaia Road Egmont National Park 439 |
| Hours | See visitor centre hours |
| Taranaki/Egmont National Park Visitor Centre | |
|---|---|
| Phone | +64 6 756 0990 |
| egmontvc@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | 2879 Egmont Road Egmont National Park 4386 |
| Hours | See visitor centre hours |
