Last updated November 2026
The Ambury Monument Walk is a 10 minute walk from the North Taranaki Visitor Centre at North Egmont to a stone memorial for climber Arthur Ambury, who gave his life in an attempt to save his climbing partner on Taranaki Maunga.
The route follows the boardwalk past the historic Camphouse and the viewing platform before a short track leads to the monument.
DOC grades it Easiest and describes it as an easy short walk. There is a grassy picnic spot by the monument with views of the maunga. North Egmont is about 24 km from New Plymouth, and when we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC said parking there was limited until December 2026 during construction of the new visitor centre.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Ambury Monument Walk 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
- about 24 km from New Plymouth
- Walking time
- 10 min
- Track length
- 380 m one way
- Grade
- Easiest
- Dogs
- No Dogs
- Track type
- Easy 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 Ambury Monument Walk
From the visitor centre, the walk follows the boardwalk past the Camphouse to the viewing platform, then takes the short track to the Ambury Monument. It ends somewhere worth lingering: a grassy picnic spot beside the monument, looking up at Taranaki Maunga.
You can return the way you came, or carry on along the Nature Walk, which leaves the monument and comes out just below the visitor centre.
The Story of the Ambury Monument
The monument honours Arthur Hamilton Ambury. On 3 June 1918, his climbing partner William Edwin Gourlay slipped on ice on the mountain. Ambury tried to save him, and both men died when they fell over a bluff.
The stone obelisk was unveiled on Good Friday, 18 April 1919. DOC notes it was built from locally sourced stone and set on a square base with stone seats on each side.
A plaque records Ambury’s heroic effort, which earned him a posthumous Albert Medal. The medal was presented to his widow, Annie, a year later by the Governor-General of the day, Arthur Foljambe.
Getting There and Parking
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 North Taranaki Visitor Centre at the end. The visitor centre is signposted from the junction.
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, 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. Weather on the mountain changes quickly, so bring a warm layer even for a short visit.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Ambury Monument Walk: 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 Ambury Monument Walk take?
DOC allows 10 minutes and gives the distance as 380 m one way.
How hard is the walk?
DOC grades it Easiest and describes it as an easy short walk.
Who was Arthur Ambury?
A climber who died on 3 June 1918 trying to save William Edwin Gourlay, who had slipped on ice. Both men fell over a bluff on the maunga. Ambury was awarded a posthumous Albert Medal.
Where does the walk start?
At the North Taranaki Visitor Centre at the end of Egmont Road. Follow the boardwalk past the Camphouse to the viewing platform, then the track to the monument.
Are dogs allowed?
No. DOC’s rule for this track is No Dogs.
Can I make it a loop?
Yes. DOC suggests returning the same way or following the Nature Walk, which exits just below the visitor centre.
Is the walk open?
It was open when we checked on 18 October 2026, with no DOC alerts. Check the DOC page for current alerts and the North Egmont parking notice 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.