Mt Taranaki Walking Tracks

We had three days on Mt Taranaki in Egmont National Park, over Labour weekend, enjoying the wonderful network of walking tracks.


Staying on the North side of Mt Taranaki we discovered if you want to see the full mountain in all its snow capped glory it paid to be out by 7.00a.m. By 8.00a.m the clouds rolled in, and the mountain was partially covered in cloud for the rest of the day.


We decided to do the Veronica Track first. Taking 2 hours this started right beside the historic Camphouse. Used as a military barracks in New Plymouth in the 1860's.... the Camphouse was sledged to its current position on the side of Mt Taranaki in 1891, to be used as accommodation for trampers and hikers.Renovated in 1999, it is a comfortable place with 8 bunk rooms,a central lounge, and large kitchen.The verandah that runs across the front is a great place to soak up the sun......if it is shining!


Veronica Loop Track was a real surprise. I had not done a lot of reading and supposed the bush would be like most New Zealand bush. How wrong I was! It was like entering a magical forest. The moss encases tree trunks, covers the ground, and drips from trees.


Every corner brought more interesting flora and fauna. Working our way upwards, we eventually came out to a place where with better weather we would have had expansive views over the plains.By this time it was raining.


We then came back down the numerous steps, stopping to read about the tragedy of Arthur Ambury and William Gourlay at the Ambury Monument. A grey stone memorial set in a mossy clearing, looking up to the mountain where the two men lost their lives. Arthur Ambury tried to save William, who slipped on the ice.Sadly, they both fell over the bluff.


Ngatoro Loop Track was our next walk. This was even more gorgeous with swathes of rich green moss edging the pathway through what is known as "Goblin Forest". Taking only an hour, this is a good choice for those short of time but who want a look at the unique Mt Taranaki forest.


The Maketawa Hut Round Trip was our choice next day. A more demanding 4 hour walk - requiring a reasonable level of fitness. Taking around two hours to the Hut there were some big steps and stairs to negotiate......as always through beautiful flora and fauna. It changed as we descended, with some splendid large cordylines a feature.


The views from the deck of Maketawa Hut overlook the Taranaki plains and coastline, and back up to the mountain. You can book and stay overnight in the hut.


We carried on up dozens and dozens of steps through low alpine vegetation, linking to the Summit Track very close to the Translator Tower, where the snowline was. We opted to carry on home down the road.Not having suitable footwear for snow.


Mt Taranaki North Visitors Centre is just below the Camphouse, with an excellent display, good cafe, and limited clothing for those needing warm gear.


It is advisable to find out the weather forecast,condition of the tracks, and times to walk them.... the signs were rather inconsistent giving quite different times for the same track.

You can find more detailed information on the walks here

I would certainly recommend Mt Taranaki as a wonderful destination to experience the Great New Zealand Outdoors!

You can read up on more New Zealand Tracks, Tramping and Hiking Gear etc at http://www.holidays-in-newzealand.com