Last updated November 2026
The Kōkōwai Track round trip is an all-day hike from the North Taranaki Visitor Centre at North Egmont that gives you both an alpine and a forest experience on Taranaki Maunga. It climbs the Holly Hut Track through subalpine country and across the Boomerang Slip, then descends the Kōkōwai Track through forest before returning via the Ram Track or Egmont Road.
DOC grades it Advanced and allows 6 hours. The upper part is very exposed and not recommended in winter without an ice axe and crampons. North Egmont is about 23 km from New Plymouth, and when we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC said parking there was limited until December 2026 while the new visitor centre is built.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Kōkōwai Track round trip 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 23 km from New Plymouth
- Walking time
- 6 hr round trip
- Track length
- 12 km loop
- Grade
- Advanced
- Dogs
- No Dogs
- Track type
- Advanced tramping track
- 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 Kōkōwai Track Round Trip
The round trip combines two very different sides of the mountain in one day. From the visitor centre, you follow the Holly Hut Track up through subalpine scenery, crossing the active Boomerang Slip, to the junction with the Kōkōwai Track just beyond it.
From the junction the route turns downhill, descending the Kōkōwai Track through forest until it meets the Kaiauai Track. Turn right here to head towards Egmont Road.
To finish, you have two choices: return to the visitor centre on the Ram Track, which DOC notes is longer and overgrown in places, or simply walk back up the road.
Track Conditions and Safety
DOC warns: “The upper part of this track is very exposed and not recommended for winter use unless you are equipped with an ice axe and crampons.” Take care crossing the active Boomerang Slip: DOC recommends crossing one person at a time. DOC also notes steep drop-offs on some sections of the Kōkōwai Track.
Expect overgrown sections that can make navigation hard, and possibly fallen trees. Weather on the mountain changes rapidly, and snow, high rainfall and storm damage can make tracks impassable. Check DOC and the forecast before you go, tell someone your plans, and use Plan My Walk to prepare.
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 Egmont Visitor Centre at 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.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Kōkōwai Track round trip: 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 tracks that start at North Egmont.
Plan My Walk: plan your trip, check the weather and track alerts, and share your plans with someone you trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Kōkōwai Track round trip take?
DOC allows 6 hours for the round trip from the North Taranaki Visitor Centre.
How hard is it?
It is graded Advanced. The upper section is very exposed, the Kōkōwai Track has steep drop-offs, and parts are overgrown and hard to navigate.
Where does it start?
At the North Taranaki Visitor Centre at the end of Egmont Road. Follow the Holly Hut Track to the Kōkōwai Track junction.
How do I get back to the visitor centre?
From the Kaiauai Track, head towards Egmont Road, then return on the Ram Track (longer and overgrown in places) or walk up the road.
Can I do it in winter?
DOC does not recommend the upper part in winter unless you are equipped with an ice axe and crampons.
Are dogs allowed?
No. DOC’s rule for this track is No Dogs.
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 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.