National Parks - Egmont

Adventures that go up and around Mount Taranaki

Reaching 2518 metres above sea level, Mt Taranaki is New Zealand's most perfectly formed volcano. It is around 120,000 years old, and last erupted in 1775. Volcanologists agree that the mountain is 'dormant' rather than extinct.

Maori legend provides an enchanting explanation for why Mt Taranaki stands alone. As the story goes, Taranaki once lived with the other volcanoes of the central plateau - Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe. When he made romantic advances to Pihanga, a pretty hill that they all admired, Tongariro jealously blew his top (as volcanoes are inclined to do). Taranaki fled to the west, gouging the Whanganui River on his way.

Key Highlights

The snow-capped cone of Mt Taranaki lures visitors who appreciate geological phenomena. Apart from one small bump - a subsidiary vent called Fantham's Peak - the mountain's cone is beautifully symmetrical. Often described as 'New Zealand's most climbed mountain', Mt Taranaki provides non-mountaineers with an achievable summit challenge.

For those interested in botany, Egmont National Park makes it possible to observe the progression of plant species from surf to summit. The lowland forest is scattered with rimu and rata trees, which gradually make way for kamahi, totara and kaikawaka. The 'Goblin Forest', on the mountain's middle slopes, takes its name from the gnarled shape of the trees and the thick swathes of trailing moss. Above the forest you'll find sub-alpine scrub and alpine herbs. A comprehensive network of walking tracks provides access to the unique beauty of the park.

Accommodation

Within the park there are eight Department of Conservation hikers' huts linked by the excellent track system. DOC also provides two hikers' lodges - Konini Lodge at Dawson Falls and the historic Camphouse at North Egmont. Two privately owned lodges also offer accommodation inside the park - Dawson Falls Mountain Lodge and Mountain House Motor Lodge.

The towns of Stratford, Opunake and Hawera provide a choice of affordable motel and hotel accommodation. More luxurious options can be found in the city of New Plymouth.

Key Activities

Short and long walks

The Egmont National Park has 13 entrances, making it one of New Zealand's most accessible wilderness areas. The 'Around the Mountain Circuit' takes 3 to 5 days to complete. The two-day Pouakai Circuit, starting and finishing at North Egmont, crosses over the Ahukawakawa Swamp and the remnants of the old Pouakai volcano. A variety of short walks can be found around Dawson Falls and East Egmont. Don't miss the Kamahi walk, at East Egmont, through the Goblin Forest.

Summit climb

The main climbing route to the summit starts at North Egmont, and you need to allow 6 to 8 hours for the return trip. During winter, summit climbs are for experienced snow and ice climbers only. Climbers need a good knowledge of the mountain’s unique snow and ice conditions, a high level experience, the right equipment and knowledge of how to use it. The first ascent of Mt Taranaki is attributed to Tahurangi, who lit a fire on the summit to prove he had taken possession of the mountain for the Taranaki tribes.

Ski

The ski field on Mt Taranaki's eastern slopes is operated by the Stratford Mountain Club, but visitors are always welcome. The season runs from June to October.

Key Tips

• Three sealed roads ascend the forested flanks of Mt Taranaki - the roads lead to North Egmont, East Egmont and Dawson Falls
• Temperatures in the park can drop very rapidly and soft snow can turn into ice in a matter of minutes
• When attempting the summit climb, be prepared for all weather eventualities
• Summit climbers don't need mountaineering experience, but they should be experienced hikers
• While the park has a high rainfall, it also receives 2110 hours of sunshine a year