Pouakai Crossing
Located in Egmont National Park and North Egmont area in the Taranaki region
Introduction
Wind across the lower slopes of Mt Taranaki – discover towering cliffs, a mighty waterfall, a sphagnum moss swamp and stunning views on this day walk version of the popular 2–3 day Pouakai Circuit.19 km one way
Seasonal restrictions
Sections of this track can become impassable in winter conditions due to snow and ice. Check with Egmont National Park Visitor Centre for up to date track conditions.
Dog access
You can walk the track in either direction, but there is less climbing if you walk from the Egmont National Park Visitor Centre to Mangorei Road.
This is a backcountry tramp. The track will be rough, muddy or wet in places. There is deep mud in sections across the Ahukawakawa Swamp.
Crossing the loose rock face of Boomerang Slip
Egmont National Park Visitor Centre to Holly Hut
Time: 3–4 hr
From North Egmont Road end follow signs to Holly Hut. The track climbs through montane forest and subalpine scrub. It passes beneath the towering lava columns of the Dieffenbach Cliffs and crosses Boomerang Slip. You might notice the red water of the Kokowai Stream caused by manganese oxide oozing from the earth.
Once past the Kokowai Track turnoff, the track gradually descends to the Ahukawakawa Track junction. Turn left for a 5 minute walk to Holly Hut. Minarapa Stream just prior to the hut can be impassable after heavy rain.
Side trip: Holly Hut to Bells Falls/Te Rere a Tahurangi
Time: 1 hr return
It’s worth a side trip down to this mighty waterfall, one of the best in Egmont National Park. Over many millennia the water of the Stony River/Hangatahu has eroded a pathway through the volcanic rock of The Dome to form the 31 m falls.
Holly Hut to Pouakai tarns
Time: 2 hr
Return to the Ahukawakawa Track junction and follow the boardwalk across the Ahukawakawa Swamp. This unique microclimate is home to many plant species, some usual at this altitude and others found nowhere else in the world. You can stop at the viewing platform before continuing on to cross the curved wooden bridge over the Stony/Hangatahua Stream.
This area is a wetland. There is a boardwalk, but expect water and mud, in some places over the track.
The track then climbs steeply through mountain cedar to reach the Pouakai Track junction. Turn right and continue beneath the aptly named Hump and past the Mangorei Track junction to reach the picturesque Pouakai Tarns. On a fine day, you can see a stunning reflection of Mt Taranaki in the pools.
The area around these small alpine tarns is very fragile. Keep to the boardwalks to help protect this fragile wetland area. Do not enter the pools too.
Side trip: Pouakai Trig
Time: 1 hr 30 min return
On a fine day take a detour at the Pouakai Track junction – turn left towards Pouakai Trig (1440 m) with stunning views of Egmont National Park and the coastline. This track is a little rugged in places – be prepared for some mud and track erosion.
Pouakai tarns to Pouakai Hut
Time: 20 min
Backtrack to the junction with Mangorei Track and head downhill to Pouakai Hut. Enjoy a break on the hut deck and take in the spectacular views up the Taranaki coastline.
Pouakai Hut to Mangorei Road end
Time: 2 hr
The long descent to the road end winds through cool forest dripping with mosses and lichens – these twisted kamahi trees are known locally as ‘Goblin forest’ as it is like walking through an enchanted forest.
Starting in Inglewood:
- Head west on SH3 out of Inglewood.
- After around 1.9 km turn left onto Lepper Road Rupper.
- Continue on this road for 5.9 km until Egmont Road.
- Continue on Egmont for around 10.4 km until the end of the road. Egmont National Park Visitor Centre is at the end of the road.
This is a one-way track so you need to arrange transport to and from one end. Shuttle services are available – book directly with an operator.
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.
Ambury Monument /Ambury Bluffs
This monument on the Holly Hut Track is named after Arthur Hamilton Ambury who gave his life in a heroic attempt to save W E Gourlay who slipped on the ice on 3 June 1918. Both died in the fall over this bluff.
Dieffenbach Cliffs
These cliffs take their name from Ernst Dieffenbach (1811-1855) who organised the first ascent of Egmont in Christmas week of 1839. He was accompanied to the summit by a whaler, James Herberley. They reached the top on 23 December, having left Richard Barrett’s whaling station at Moturoa on 19 December.
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 | |
