The Dover Route climbs 1000m through bush and tussock along a narrow, rocky ridge to reach the highest point on the Pouakai Range – 1400m Pouakai. The Pouakai Range,…
Whether you intend to climb to Mt Taranaki’s 2518m summit or just settle for Fanthams Peak (1966m), spending a night at Syme Hut, perched high above the Taranaki lowlands,…
This circumnavigation of Mt Egmont/Taranaki has a bit of everything, from stream crossings to a waterfall, native forest to alpine tussock, solitude and unbeatable views. Our family adventure began…
The slopes of Taranaki have long drawn adventurers. One day in 1887, a party led by Thomas Dawson (after whom Dawson Falls is named) ascended the subsidiary cone known…
Situated in a small clearing in a goblin forest, Waingongoro Hut provides unimpeded views of the toothed peak of Mt Taranaki 1600m above, and a night halfway up the iconic...
Iconic Taranaki views On a clear day, Henry Peak in Egmont National Park is a memorable destination for strong hikers. Over the course of three heart-pounding hours, you’ll climb…
Toasting marshmallows on a cold night A mid-winter hiking adventure also happened to the first overnight tramp for our children Will (5) and Holly (3). We had settled on…
This trip starts from Lucy’s Gully, named after Lucy Stevens who lived in Oakura in the early 1900s. Decorated with moko and usually wearing a black scarf, the toothless…
In just a few meandering hours on the Pouakai Crossing, a melange of wild landscapes is unravelled; subalpine shrublands and flowers, mountain cedar and misty moss-laden ‘goblin’ forests, a…
With a goblin forest walk to a cascade of pools in an old lava flow, Wilkies Pools is a must-do on Mt Taranaki. The 1-1.5 hour loop seemed manageable…
Lake Mangamahoe has a well sign-posted 6km circuit that undulates around the lake shore. It passes radiata pine forest, mature ornamental tree plantings, pockets of regenerated native bush and…
Most backcountry enthusiasts understand that Mt Egmont/Taranaki is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. While extremely accessible and straightforward to climb, being so near the coast and being such an…
The route to Mt Messenger isn’t the easiest navigationally; the track is rough and the markers elusive. Starting at Kiwi Road is easier than coming the other way from…
Three roads penetrate the interior of Egmont National Park, providing access to plenty of tracks. One of the best family-friendly options is the round-trip to Maketawa Hut. Beginning from…
The Forgotten World highway snakes its way from Taumaranui to Stratford through the Tangarakau Gorge. This is backblocks New Zealand, and the perfect place to lose yourself for a…
n 1951, Pukeiti Hill was bought by enthusiasts who later formed the Pukeiti Rhododendron Trust, as the area, with its acidic soil, 400m altitude, 3500mm annual rainfall and shelter…
It’s a steady climb from the road end, first coming to Graylings Clearing where good views of the area can be had, and then on to the hut, which…
Though it’s a fairly steep tramp, the trip to Syme Hut is relatively easy thanks to staircases that start shortly after passing Hooker Shelter, almost on the halfway mark.…
This tramp strikes the perfect balance between adventure and comfort, making it ideal for the novice and the experienced tramper. This description starts from the car park on Egmont…
If you’re interested in local history, spend an afternoon walking along the York Loop Track near the base of Mt Taranaki. The track follows the route of the old…
The Moki Track follows the south bank of the upper Waitara River. The track was once a surveyed road alignment that was to be developed to service the rehabilitation…
Starting at an altitude of 1140m, this walk is in an alpine environment so be prepared for sudden changes in weather. The track rises to 1530m over the first…