Best trails in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki
Want to find the best trails in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki for an adventurous hike or a family trip? AllTrails has 83 great trails for hiking, walking, and backpacking and more. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.
Ready for your next hike or bike ride? Explore one of 8 easy hiking trails in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki that are great for the whole family. Looking for a more strenuous hike? We've got you covered, with trails ranging from 9 to 10,032 feet in elevation gain. Whatever you have planned for the day, you can find the perfect trail for your next trip to Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki.
Top trails
1
(1543)
•Hard
•7.7 mi
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:...
2
(517)
•Hard
•7.4 mi
This track takes you from North Egmont to the Summit of Taranaki Maunga (2518m). It's a challenging climb suitable for experienced and well-equipped trampers only. The track passes the Tahurangi Lodge. It's possibly New Zealand's toughest day hike, but it's well worth the view. Stairs, Scrambles, scree, and steep concrete, begin the trail. Don't underestimate this hike. Weather systems can appear quickly and unexpectedly, which can be difficult to escape. The mountain is covered in snow and...
3
(378)
•Moderate
•2.4 mi
•Est. 1h 29m
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.
4
(245)
•Moderate
•3.1 mi
•Est. 2h 0m
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:...
5
(217)
•Moderate
•1.6 mi
•Est. 1h 8m
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.
6
(203)
•Hard
•16.2 mi
Pouakai Circuit is a beautiful 2–3 day tramp in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki with stunning views of Mt Taranaki along the way. It is a challenging track with lots of stairs, steep sections, and tree roots - poles are highly recommended.
You can comfortably complete this hike with overnight stopovers at Holly Hut and Pouakai Hut.
Holly Hut: bookings for the hut are required - hut fees and more information is available at:...
7
(194)
•Hard
•11.7 mi
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. ...
8
(256)
•Hard
•7.8 mi
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, as the top is holy for...
9
(242)
•Moderate
•2.2 mi
•Est. 1h 26m
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.
10
(136)
•Hard
•4.7 mi
•Est. 3h 19m
This track takes you from Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki Visitor Centre to Tahurangi Lodge. The track has five different sections. It starts with a 4WD, followed by Rocks, stairs, gravel and rocks to climb up at the end. It's a steep and challenging walk with some slippery sections. Markers make it easy to follow. A car park and public toilets are located at the trailhead. Tahurangi Lodge is available for Taranaki Alpine Club members - the general public may use this lodge if booked in advance:...
Showing results 1–10 of 83
Parks
Headed to a park?
Take AllTrails with you
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki is Pouakai Tarns via Mangorei Track and Pouakai Hut, which has a 4.6 star rating from 1,543 reviews. This trail is 7.7 mi long with an elevation gain of 2,549 ft.
What is the longest trail in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki is Around the Mountain Circuit. This trail is estimated to be 32.2 mi long.
How many trails are in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki?
There are 83 trails in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki. These trails have an average 4.3-star rating from 6,073 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki has you covered. Around the Mountain Circuit boasts the most elevation gain with 10,032 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Taranaki Maunga Summit and Pouakai Loop, which will get you 8,815 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 10 camping trails in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki and the most popular is Pouakai Tarns via Mangorei Track and Pouakai Hut with an average 4.6 star rating from 1,543 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 4 running trails in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki and the most popular is Maude Peak via Mangorei Track with an average 4.7 star rating from 69 community reviews.