Last updated November 2026
The Connett Loop Track is a short loop from the North Taranaki Visitor Centre at North Egmont through moss and lichen laden “goblin” forest on the slopes of Taranaki Maunga. Along the way a small lookout gives a view of the mountain.
DOC grades the walk Easiest and allows 40 minutes for the 700 m loop. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC said parking at the North Egmont road end was limited until December 2026 while the new visitor centre is built. North Egmont is 29 km from New Plymouth by road.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Connett Loop Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- North Taranaki Visitor Centre, end of Egmont Road (North Egmont)
- Distance from the city
- 29 km from New Plymouth by road
- Walking time
- 40 min loop
- Track length
- 700 m loop
- Grade
- Easiest
- Dogs
- No Dogs
- Track type
- Short walk
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
- Track markers
- On marked bush tracks, DOC and most councils use orange triangles for the walking route. Triangles or tape in other colours, usually pink or blue, mark pest-control lines and traps. They can lead off the track, so don’t follow them.
About Connett Loop Track
The Connett Loop is a gentle way to get a feel for the forest at North Egmont in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki. Starting at the visitor centre, it winds through ‘goblin’ forest laden with moss and lichens.
Partway round, a small lookout point opens up a view of the mountain. On a clear day it is a good place to stop for a photo before the track loops back to where you started.
DOC grades it Easiest and describes it as a short and pleasant loop. DOC notes there is no safety barrier at the mountain lookout, so keep children close there.
Getting There and Parking
The track starts at the North Taranaki Visitor Centre at North Egmont. Head about 13 km south from New Plymouth to Egmont Village, turn off State Highway 3 onto Egmont Road and follow it for 16 km to the end. The visitor centre is signposted from the junction.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC said car parking at the North Egmont road end was limited until December 2026 due to construction of the new visitor centre, and that large trucks were using the road. It recommends carpooling or a shuttle.
At that time the visitor centre remained open in a temporary building in the upper car park. Freedom camping is prohibited at the road end.
Weather on the Mountain
Weather on Taranaki Maunga changes rapidly, even on short walks. Bring a warm layer and a raincoat, and check the forecast and the DOC page before you go.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Connett Loop Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: North Egmont area: the visitor centre, parking notices and other short walks that start at North Egmont.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Connett Loop Track take?
DOC allows 40 minutes for the loop, which is 700 m long.
How hard is the Connett Loop Track?
DOC grades it Easiest, its gentlest grade.
Where does it start?
At the North Taranaki Visitor Centre at the end of Egmont Road, North Egmont.
Is there a view of Taranaki Maunga?
Yes. A small lookout point on the loop offers a view of the mountain. DOC notes there is no safety barrier at the lookout.
Are dogs allowed?
No. DOC’s rule for this track is No Dogs.
Is parking available at North Egmont?
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC said parking at the road end was limited until December 2026 while the new visitor centre is built. DOC recommends carpooling or using a shuttle.
Is the track open?
It was open when we checked on 18 October 2026, with no DOC alerts. Check the DOC page for current alerts before you go.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.