Last updated October 2026
The Viewing Platform Walk is a 5 minute boardwalk from the North Taranaki Visitor Centre at North Egmont to a platform with views of Taranaki Maunga and the coastline. DOC describes the boardwalk as wheelchair friendly, and it passes the historic Camphouse, which DOC says is New Zealand’s oldest building within a national park.
DOC grades the walk Easiest, and on a fine day you can see inland as far as Ruapehu, Ngāuruhoe and Tongariro. North Egmont is about 24 km from New Plymouth. 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 Viewing Platform 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
- 5 min
- Track length
- 180 m one way
- Grade
- Easiest
- Dogs
- No Dogs
- Track type
- Easy access (wheelchair)
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About Viewing Platform Walk
This is a short, easy way to take in the view from North Egmont. A wheelchair friendly boardwalk leads from the visitor centre through bush to the viewing platform, with the historic Camphouse alongside.
From the platform the outlook takes in Taranaki Maunga above you, the coastline below and the land stretching inland towards the central North Island. On a fine day DOC says Ruapehu, Ngāuruhoe and Tongariro are visible on the horizon.
DOC describes it as a wheelchair accessible short walk. It is also the first stretch of several other North Egmont walks, including the Nature Walk and the walk to the Ambury Monument.
The Historic Camphouse
The Camphouse was originally used as military barracks in New Plymouth during the Taranaki Wars of the 1860s. In 1891 it was sledged up to North Egmont for use as accommodation.
The building has been restored and upgraded for backpacker accommodation, but many of its original features are still visible, including handwrought corrugated iron with rifle firing slits, known as loopholes, and tongue and groove timber panelling.
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 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: Viewing Platform 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 Viewing Platform Walk take?
DOC allows 5 minutes and gives the distance as 180 m one way.
Is the walk wheelchair accessible?
DOC describes the boardwalk as wheelchair friendly and lists the track type as Easy access (wheelchair).
What can you see from the platform?
Taranaki Maunga, the coastline and inland towards the central North Island. On a fine day DOC says Ruapehu, Ngāuruhoe and Tongariro are visible.
What is the Camphouse?
A former military barracks from the Taranaki Wars, moved to North Egmont in 1891. DOC says it is New Zealand’s oldest building within a national park, and it is now backpacker accommodation.
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 walk 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.