Best trails in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki

This is a beautiful and very popular track in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki, famous for reflections of Mt Taranaki in the Pouakai Tarns. There are impressive wooden boardwalks/steps almost the whole way to the hut. Mostly covered track, the last 20% is exposed. Pouakai Hut is a great place to stop and have a small snack before heading to the tarn. The hut is very popular, and bookings in advance are required:...

This track takes you to the very top of Taranaki Maunga, a hugely spiritual ancestor, or tupuna, for Taranaki Māori. According to legend, the maunga fled here after a great battle with Tongariro. The climb is a serious undertaking, best saved for a clear summer day. You'll pass Tahurangi Lodge and head into the rocky Hongi Valley. The track is a mix of steep, loose scoria slopes and rock scrambling up "The Lizard." Higher up, you'll leave the tussock behind for hardy alpine plants before...

This track takes you to Wilkies Pools and Dawsons Falls, located in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki. It is a lovely loop walk through the goblin forest and climbs up to the top pools and a few waterfalls. Make sure your shoes are waterproof, or be prepared to get very wet socks. Start from DOC Visitor Centre. A carpark is located at the trailhead.

This track takes you from Pouakai Hut to the Mangorei Road end. Pouakai Hut is very popular, and bookings in advance are required. Camping is also possible (first come, first served). Hut/camping fees, seasonal restrictions, and more information are available at: https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/taranaki/places/egmont-national-park/things-to-do/huts/pouakai-hut/. Pouakai Hut can be accessed from Holly Hut via this track:...

This is an excellent short circuit to some pristine running pools with a great view of the region. It's a beautiful place with the sounds of running creeks on the way back down. Be careful at the pools themselves as the rocks are quite slippery and there are no stairs/handrails. Start above the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre.

This track starts from Plateau carpark and takes you through Manganui Gorge in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki National Park. There are great views of Taranaki Maunga on the way. Experienced trampers can continue up the ski field for even better views. Access from the end of Pembroke Road. A carpark is located at the trailhead.

Pouakai Crossing is a beautiful 2–3 day tramp in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki. This track takes you from North Egmont Visitor Centre to Mangorei Road end via the famous Pouakai Tarns with reflections of Mt Taranaki. It is a challenging track with many stairs, steep sections, and tree roots - poles are highly recommended. There are impressive wooden boardwalks/steps and great views along the way. You can comfortably complete this tramp with overnight stopovers at Holly Hut and Pouakai Hut. ...

Sweeping alpine vistas and the moody presence of the massive Taranaki Maunga define the Pouakai Circuit, a premier tramping loop located within Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki. This journey traditionally begins and ends at the North Egmont Visitor Centre, taking adventurers deep into the heart of the national park. Most explorers choose to complete the circuit over two or three days, which allows ample time to enjoy the diverse landscapes and unique geological features of the region. The track leads...

This is possibly New Zealand's toughest day hike, but it's well worth the view. Stairs, Scrambles, scree and steep concrete begin the trail. This track takes you to the summit of Mount Taranaki (2518m) and is suitable only for experienced, well-equipped, and fit trampers. Don't underestimate this hike. Weather systems can appear quickly, which can be challenging to escape. The mountain is covered in snow and ice from May to November. Please respect local Māori beliefs and refrain from...

Veronica Loop Track is located in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki, near New Plymouth. It's a nice loop walk through the forest with many stairs on the ascent, but well set out and spaced. You can continue walking up from the top to the second lookout - it doesn't add much time, and the mountain views are spectacular. Access from the end of Egmont Road. Start from Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki Visitor Centre. A carpark is located at the trailhead.