Egmont National Park

With more than 300 kilometres of walking tracks, Egmont National Park is a dream destination for enthusiastic hikers.

Egmont National Park was created by a special act of parliament in 1900. It protects the huge volcano Taranaki (or Mount Egmont, as it is also known) and two older volcanoes - Kaitake and Pouakai.

Taranaki is linked by legend to the mountains of the central North Island. As the story goes, Taranaki once lived with the other volcanoes of the central plateau - Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe. When he made flirtatious advances towards a pretty hill named Pihanga, Tongariro erupted in a jealous fury. Taranaki fled to the west, gouging out the Whanganui River on his way. Today Taranaki is still venerated and its summit is sacred to the Maori people of the area.

The walking track network in this national park is extensive, ranging from a 15 minute stroll along the Kamahi Track to the three-day Pouakai Circuit. There's a veritable maze of tracks around the Dawson Falls area, including the walk to Wilkies Pools, a series of eroded rock pools connected with gentle waterfalls. Summit climbs are best attempted with a guide.

The area's high rainfall and mild coastal climate have allowed a lush rainforest to develop on the slopes of the mountain. At lower altitudes you'll walk through tall rimu and kamahi trees; higher up the volcano, sub-alpine shrubs and herbfields are found above the snow line.

The forest on Mount Taranaki's middle slopes is sometimes known as 'Goblin Forest', because of the gnarled shape of the trees and the thick swathes of trailing moss. Ahukawakawa Swamp is also botanically interesting, with its wide range of plants adapted to survive in acidic soils and very low temperatures.

There are three entry points to the park - Manaia Road, Egmont Road and Pembroke Road.