Last updated November 2026
The Ngatoro Loop Track is a short loop on a tramping track from the North Taranaki Visitor Centre at North Egmont, dropping into a valley of dense forest coated in ferns and moss. It starts 400 m along the Summit Track, reached via the boardwalk past the historic Camphouse. DOC grades it Advanced and allows 1 hour.
The track is steep in places with some large steps, and crosses a stream that is usually dry but can become impassable after heavy rain. 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 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 Ngatoro 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
- about 24 km from New Plymouth
- Walking time
- 1 hr loop
- Track length
- 1.2 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 Ngatoro Loop Track
The Ngatoro Loop is a taste of tramping in a single hour. Take the boardwalk from the visitor centre past the Camphouse to the viewing platform, then carry on along the Summit Track. The Ngatoro Loop Track begins about 400 m along.
From there the track descends into a valley through goblin forest, where ferns and moss hang from twisted tree trunks. It crosses a small stream at the bottom, then a series of steps brings you back up to the visitor centre.
Although it is short, DOC grades it Advanced.
Track Conditions and Safety
DOC notes the track is steep in places and has some large steps. The stream crossing is unbridged: it is usually dry, but it can become impassable after heavy rain, so turn back if it is running high.
Weather on the mountain changes rapidly. Bring warm and waterproof layers, wear sturdy shoes, and check DOC before you go. For longer trips from North Egmont, use Plan My Walk and tell someone your plans.
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 car parking at the North Egmont road end was limited until December 2026 due to construction of the new visitor centre, and recommended 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: Ngatoro 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 walks 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 Ngatoro Loop Track take?
DOC allows 1 hour for the 1.2 km loop.
How hard is the Ngatoro Loop?
DOC grades it Advanced. It is steep in places with some large steps and an unbridged stream crossing.
Where does it start?
Take the boardwalk from the North Taranaki Visitor Centre past the Camphouse onto the Summit Track. The loop starts 400 m along.
Is there a stream crossing?
Yes, one unbridged crossing. DOC says it is usually dry but can become impassable after heavy rain.
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 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.