Last updated November 2026
The Around the Mountain Circuit is a challenging 4–5 day tramp right around Taranaki Maunga. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC listed the circuit as partly closed: “Access along the Stony River Route from the Te Rere-o-Tahurangi Falls junction (near Holly Hut) through to Kahui Hut is closed until further notice. This is due to erosion and the ongoing risk of rockfall.” DOC added that “Trampers will not be able to complete the full Around the Mountain Circuit” and that “Access to Te Rere-o-Tahurangi Falls /Holly Hut from the Puniho Road end is also closed.” A second alert said: “Oaonui Track, from Ihaia Track through to Kahui Track, is closed due to structure damage after recent flooding.” When open, the circuit traditionally starts at North Egmont and passes through forest, rivers and alpine scenery, and DOC grades it Advanced/Expert.
Check DOC and talk to a visitor centre before planning any section; North Egmont is about 28 km from New Plymouth.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Around the Mountain Circuit on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Traditionally the North Egmont road end (North Taranaki Visitor Centre); several other road ends give access
- Distance from the city
- about 28 km from New Plymouth
- Walking time
- 4–5 days loop (full circuit not possible when checked on 18 October 2026)
- Grade
- Advanced/Expert
- Dogs
- No Dogs
- Track type
- Tramping track, Route, Great walk/easy tramping track, Walking track
- Huts
- Holly Hut, Kahui Hut, Waiaua Gorge Hut, Waingongoro Hut and Maketawa Hut (DOC huts)
- Best time
- October to April
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Partly closed when checked on 18 October 2026 (Stony River Route from Te Rere-o-Tahurangi Falls junction to Kahui Hut closed for erosion and rockfall risk; Puniho Road access to Holly Hut closed; Oaonui Track closed after flood damage). Check DOC before you go.
About Around the Mountain Circuit
The circuit is the long way to know Taranaki Maunga: a multi-day loop through forest, across rivers and over alpine country, with high and low level options on some sections.
DOC recommends the higher options for their scenery, but in winter the high level tracks may be impassable because of snow, and the lower tracks are prone to windfalls and can be overgrown.
DOC says the circuit suits experienced trampers with backcountry experience and good navigation skills. In places you will need to look carefully for markers or poles and be prepared to backtrack, and a good topographic map is essential.
DOC also warns that slips and fallen trees are common on the western side of the mountain, which suffers ongoing erosion and storm damage, and many streams are unbridged and can become impassable after heavy rain.
It is best tramped from October to April. When we checked on 18 October 2026, the Stony River Route and the Oaonui Track were closed and DOC said the full loop could not be completed, so contact the local visitor centre for alternative tramping options.
Circuit Sections
DOC describes the circuit in sections from North Egmont. Times and distances are DOC’s; check each section’s status before you go, as some were closed when we checked on 18 October 2026.
North Egmont to Holly Hut (3–4 hr, 8 km)
From the upper car park, take the Holly Hut Track left of the Camphouse. It climbs steeply to the circuit junction, then crosses several streams to the Boomerang Slip and descends past the Kōkōwai Track to the Ahukawakawa Track. Holly Hut is 15 minutes further on.
Holly Hut to Waiaua Gorge Hut (7–9 hr, 13 km)
This section crosses Holly Flats towards the Stony River Track and the Hangatahua River area, then continues to the Kopoaiaia and Puniho tracks, with a low option or a high option past the 6 bunk Kahui Hut, before following the Oaonui and Ihaia tracks to Waiaua Gorge Hut.
Part of this section, from the Te Rere-o-Tahurangi Falls junction to Kahui Hut, and the Oaonui Track were closed when we checked on 18 October 2026.
Waiaua Gorge Hut to Mangōraukawa / Lake Dive (7–8 hr, 10 km)
The route drops into the Waiaua Gorge and climbs out to the Taungatara Track, with a muddy low option via the Auroa Track or a severely eroded high option on the Brames Falls Track, marked by snow poles.
DOC notes the Lake Dive Hut burnt down in 2020; there is no longer a hut, but camping is possible, there is a toilet, and drinking water needs to be boiled.
Mangōraukawa / Lake Dive to North Egmont
The low route runs via the Lower Lake Dive Track to Dawson Falls and Waingongoro Hut (4–6 hr, 9 km), then on past Te Popo car park and the Curtis Falls Track to Maketawa Hut and North Egmont (6–7 hr, 12 km).
The high route (7–9 hr, 15 km) climbs the Upper Lake Dive Track below Panitahi to Dawson Falls, then follows the high level track via the Stratford Plateau and Manganui ski field to the privately owned Tahurangi Lodge and down a 4WD track to the visitor centre.
Track Conditions and Safety
DOC warns that the weather on Taranaki Maunga is changeable and unpredictable, and that snow, heavy rain and storm damage can make tracks impassable. Rivers and streams are not always bridged and can flood at any time of year.
Do not cross if a river is flooded or you are unsure about it: turn back or wait for it to drop. In winter the upper tracks may be covered in snow and ice, and an ice axe and crampons are likely to be needed.
Carry a topographic map, plenty of warm and waterproof gear, and a distress beacon. Check DOC before you go, tell someone your plans, and use Plan My Walk to prepare.
Getting There and Parking
The circuit traditionally begins at the North Egmont road end, about 30 minutes’ drive from New Plymouth. Drive south on State Highway 3 to Egmont Village and turn right onto Egmont Road to North Egmont.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC said car parking there was limited until December 2026 due to construction of the new visitor centre, and recommends carpooling or a shuttle. Freedom camping is prohibited at the North Egmont road end.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Around the Mountain Circuit: 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: Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki: park overview, huts and current alerts for all sections of the circuit.
Plan My Walk: plan your trip, check the weather and track alerts, and share your plans with someone you trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Around the Mountain Circuit open?
Only in part when we checked on 18 October 2026. DOC said the Stony River Route from the Te Rere-o-Tahurangi Falls junction to Kahui Hut was closed until further notice, access to Holly Hut from the Puniho Road end was closed, and the Oaonui Track was closed, so the full circuit could not be completed. Check DOC for the latest.
How long does the circuit take?
DOC gives 4–5 days for the full loop when it is open.
How hard is it?
It is graded Advanced/Expert. You need backcountry experience, good navigation skills and a topographic map, and many streams are unbridged.
When is the best time to go?
DOC says it is best tramped from October to April. In winter, the high level tracks may be impassable due to snow.
What huts are on the circuit?
DOC huts on the circuit include Holly Hut, Kahui Hut, Waiaua Gorge Hut, Waingongoro Hut and Maketawa Hut. There is no longer a hut at Lake Dive.
Where does it start?
Traditionally at the North Egmont road end, though several road ends in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki give access.
Are dogs allowed?
No. DOC’s rule for this track is No Dogs.
Can I still walk parts of it?
When we checked on 18 October 2026, only some sections were closed. DOC asks trampers to contact the local visitor centre for alternative tramping options.
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.