Last updated November 2026
The Pouākai Crossing is a one-way day tramp across the lower slopes of Taranaki Maunga, from the North Taranaki Visitor Centre at North Egmont to the Mangorei Road end.
DOC calls it the day walk version of the popular 2–3 day Pouākai Circuit, and the route takes in the Dieffenbach Cliffs, the Ahukawakawa wetland, the Pouākai tarns and an optional side trip to Te Rere-o-Tahurangi Falls. It is graded Advanced, covers about 19 km and generally takes 7 hr 30 min to 9 hr 30 min.
You need transport at both ends, and when we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC said parking at the North Egmont road end was limited until December 2026 during construction of the new visitor centre. The track starts at North Egmont, 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 Pouākai Crossing on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- North Taranaki Visitor Centre, end of Egmont Road (North Egmont)
- Finish
- Mangorei Road end
- Distance from the city
- 29 km from New Plymouth by road
- Walking time
- 7 hr 30 min to 9 hr 30 min one way
- Track length
- About 19 km
- Grade
- Advanced
- Dogs
- No Dogs
- Huts on the route
- Holly Hut and Pouākai Hut
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About Pouākai Crossing
The crossing joins several Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki tracks into one long day. You can walk it either way, but DOC notes there is less climbing if you start at the North Taranaki Visitor Centre and finish at Mangorei Road.
From the visitor centre it follows the Veronica Loop Track past the Camphouse and Ambury Monument, up a long series of steps, then on towards Holly Hut.
Ten minutes past that junction is a lookout that marks the start of the alpine section. From here the track climbs and sidles across the face of the maunga, past the towering lava columns of the Dieffenbach Cliffs and over the loose rock of the Boomerang Slip, before descending to the Ahukawakawa Track junction and Holly Hut. DOC allows 3–4 hours for this first stage.
From Holly Hut, a boardwalk crosses Ahukawakawa, an alpine swamp with its own microclimate. DOC says it is home to many plant species, including some found nowhere else in the world.
After a viewing platform and a curved wooden bridge over the Hangatahua River, the track climbs steeply through mountain cedar, passes beneath the Hump and reaches the Pouākai tarns, where on a fine day the maunga is reflected in the pools.
The last stretch drops past Pouākai Hut, with views up the Taranaki coastline from its deck, then winds down through mossy kamahi forest that locals call “goblin forest” to the Mangorei Road end. DOC says you need good fitness and the right gear for this long day on backcountry track.
Track Sections and Side Trips
DOC breaks the crossing into stages, which helps when planning your day:
- North Taranaki Visitor Centre to Holly Hut: 3–4 hr
- Holly Hut to the Pouākai tarns: 2 hr
- Pouākai tarns to Pouākai Hut: 20 min
- Pouākai Hut to the Mangorei Road end: 2 hr
Te Rere-o-Tahurangi Falls
From Holly Hut, a side trip of about 1 hour return leads down to Te Rere-o-Tahurangi Falls, which DOC rates as one of the best waterfalls in the park. DOC explains that the Hangatahua River has cut through the volcanic rock of Te Umu-o-Taomanawa over many millennia, forming the 31 m falls.
Pouākai Trig
On a fine day you can detour left at the Pouākai Track junction to Pouākai Trig (1,440 m), about 1 hr 30 min return, for views over the park and the coastline.
DOC warns this track is rugged in places, with some mud and erosion. If you are tired or short of daylight, DOC suggests heading straight to Pouākai Hut and the Mangorei Road end at the Mangorei Track junction rather than continuing to the tarns.
Track Conditions and Safety
This is a backcountry tramp through an alpine environment where extreme weather is common. DOC describes the track as steep and uneven in places, with mud, water, tree roots and embedded rocks, and says it will be rough, muddy, wet or icy in places.
Snow, high rainfall and storm damage can make tracks impassable, and many streams are unbridged. The Minarapa Stream just before Holly Hut has no bridge and can be impassable after heavy rain.
There are several rockfall zones, including the Boomerang Slip. Follow the signs and cross these without stopping, one person at a time.
At the lookout (or, if you walk from Holly Hut towards North Egmont, at the Kōkōwai Track junction), DOC asks walkers to check the weather and their gear before committing to the alpine section, and to turn back if conditions are poor.
In winter the crossing is far harder: DOC says you need an ice axe, crampons, snow gaiters and goggles between North Egmont and Holly Hut, and the skills to use them. If there is snow on the maunga, check the NZ Avalanche Advisory.
Carry a torch, warm layers and a waterproof jacket, and consider a distress beacon, as part of the track has no mobile coverage. DOC says beacons can be hired at the North Taranaki Visitor Centre. Check DOC before you go, tell someone your plans, and use Plan My Walk to prepare.
There are several springs between North Egmont and Holly Hut that are significant to iwi, hapū and whānau. Please treat them with respect and do not wash in them or walk through them. Around the tarns, keep to the boardwalks and stay out of the pools.
Getting There and Transport
From Inglewood, head west on State Highway 3, turn left onto Lepper Road Upper after about 1.9 km, continue 5.9 km to Egmont Road, then follow Egmont Road about 10.4 km to the North Taranaki Visitor Centre at the end.
Because the crossing is one way, you need to arrange transport at each end. DOC notes shuttle services operate and are booked directly with an operator.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC said car 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.
DOC recommends carpooling or using a shuttle. At that time the visitor centre had moved to a temporary building in the upper car park. Freedom camping is prohibited at the North Egmont road end.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Pouākai Crossing: 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 Pouākai Crossing take?
DOC says it generally takes 7 hr 30 min to 9 hr 30 min one way. The side trips to Te Rere-o-Tahurangi Falls and Pouākai Trig have their own times.
How hard is the Pouākai Crossing?
It is graded Advanced. It is a long backcountry tramp with an alpine section, steep and uneven ground, unbridged streams and rockfall zones, so you need good fitness and the right gear.
Which direction should I walk it?
Either direction works, but DOC notes there is less climbing if you walk from the North Taranaki Visitor Centre to Mangorei Road.
Do I need transport at both ends?
Yes. It is a one-way track, so arrange a pick-up or shuttle. DOC notes shuttle operators run services, booked directly with them.
Are dogs allowed?
No. DOC’s rule for this track is No Dogs.
Can I walk it in winter?
Only with alpine gear and skills. DOC says you need an ice axe, crampons, snow gaiters and goggles between North Egmont and Holly Hut in winter, and avalanche gear if there is avalanche risk.
Where can I park at North Egmont?
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, so DOC recommends carpooling or a shuttle. Check the DOC page for the latest notice.
Is there an easier way to see the Pouākai tarns?
Yes. DOC suggests the much easier day walk up the Mangorei Track from Mangorei Road as an alternative way to reach the tarns.
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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.