Best trails in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki
Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki is home to the impressive Taranaki Maunga volcano (2518 m). This park is perfect for short walks, overnight tramps, camping, and climbing. Visitors will enjoy stunning views of the volcano, lush forest, waterfalls, rivers, tarns, and skiing on the eastern slopes of Taranaki Maunga. It's recommended to come here in summer because of the snow at high altitudes.
Top trails
1
(1631)
•Hard
•7.7 mi
This is a beautiful and very popular track in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki, famous for reflections of Mt Taranaki in the Pouakai Tarns. There are impressive wooden boardwalks/steps almost the whole way to the hut. Mostly covered track, the last 20% is exposed. Pouakai Hut is a great place to stop and have a small snack before heading to the tarn.
The hut is very popular, and bookings in advance are required:...
2
(521)
•Hard
•7.4 mi
This track takes you from North Egmont to the Summit of Taranaki Maunga (2518m). It's a challenging climb suitable for experienced and well-equipped trampers only. The track passes the Tahurangi Lodge. It's possibly New Zealand's toughest day hike, but it's well worth the view. Stairs, Scrambles, scree, and steep concrete, begin the trail. Don't underestimate this hike. Weather systems can appear quickly and unexpectedly, which can be difficult to escape. The mountain is covered in snow and...
3
(394)
•Moderate
•2.4 mi
•Est. 1h 29m
This track takes you to Wilkies Pools and Dawsons Falls, located in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki. It is a lovely loop walk through the goblin forest and climbs up to the top pools and a few waterfalls. Make sure your shoes are waterproof, or be prepared to get very wet socks. Start from DOC Visitor Centre. A carpark is located at the trailhead.
4
(260)
•Moderate
•3.1 mi
•Est. 2h 0m
This track takes you from Pouakai Hut to the Mangorei Road end. Pouakai Hut is very popular, and bookings in advance are required. Camping is also possible (first come, first served). Hut/camping fees, seasonal restrictions, and more information are available at: https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/taranaki/places/egmont-national-park/things-to-do/huts/pouakai-hut/.
Pouakai Hut can be accessed from Holly Hut via this track:...
5
(221)
•Moderate
•1.6 mi
•Est. 1h 8m
This is an excellent short circuit to some pristine running pools with a great view of the region. It's a beautiful place with the sounds of running creeks on the way back down. Be careful at the pools themselves as the rocks are quite slippery and there are no stairs/handrails. Start above the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre.
6
(209)
•Hard
•16.2 mi
Pouakai Circuit is a beautiful 2–3 day tramp in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki with stunning views of Mt Taranaki along the way. It is a challenging track with lots of stairs, steep sections, and tree roots - poles are highly recommended.
You can comfortably complete this hike with overnight stopovers at Holly Hut and Pouakai Hut.
Holly Hut: bookings for the hut are required - hut fees and more information is available at:...
7
(195)
•Hard
•11.7 mi
Pouakai Crossing is a beautiful 2–3 day tramp in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki. This track takes you from North Egmont Visitor Centre to Mangorei Road end via the famous Pouakai Tarns with reflections of Mt Taranaki. It is a challenging track with many stairs, steep sections, and tree roots - poles are highly recommended. There are impressive wooden boardwalks/steps and great views along the way.
You can comfortably complete this tramp with overnight stopovers at Holly Hut and Pouakai Hut. ...
8
(247)
•Moderate
•2.2 mi
•Est. 1h 26m
Veronica Loop Track is located in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki, near New Plymouth. It's a nice loop walk through the forest with many stairs on the ascent, but well set out and spaced. You can continue walking up from the top to the second lookout - it doesn't add much time, and the mountain views are spectacular.
Access from the end of Egmont Road. Start from Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki Visitor Centre. A carpark is located at the trailhead.
9
(257)
•Hard
•7.8 mi
This is possibly New Zealand's toughest day hike, but it's well worth the view. Stairs, Scrambles, scree and steep concrete begin the trail. This track takes you to the summit of Mount Taranaki (2518m) and is suitable only for experienced, well-equipped, and fit trampers. Don't underestimate this hike. Weather systems can appear quickly, which can be challenging to escape. The mountain is covered in snow and ice from May to November. Please respect local Māori beliefs, as the top is holy for...
10
(138)
•Hard
•4.7 mi
•Est. 3h 19m
This track takes you from Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki Visitor Centre to Tahurangi Lodge. The track has five different sections. It starts with a 4WD, followed by Rocks, stairs, gravel and rocks to climb up at the end. It's a steep and challenging walk with some slippery sections. Markers make it easy to follow. A car park and public toilets are located at the trailhead. Tahurangi Lodge is available for Taranaki Alpine Club members - the general public may use this lodge if booked in advance:...
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki is Pouakai Tarns via Mangorei Track and Pouakai Hut, which has a 4.7 star rating from 1,631 reviews. This trail is 7.7 mi long with an elevation gain of 2,549 ft.
What is the longest trail in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki is Around the Mountain Circuit. This trail is estimated to be 32.2 mi long.
How many trails are in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki?
There are 83 trails in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki. These trails have an average 4.3-star rating from 6,265 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki has you covered. Around the Mountain Circuit boasts the most elevation gain with 10,032 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Taranaki Maunga Summit and Pouakai Loop, which will get you 8,815 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 10 camping trails in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki and the most popular is Pouakai Tarns via Mangorei Track and Pouakai Hut with an average 4.7 star rating from 1,631 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 4 running trails in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki and the most popular is Mangorei Track to Henry Peak with an average 4.7 star rating from 73 community reviews.
Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki?
Yes, there are 41 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki, including Taranaki Maunga Summit Track, Pouakai Circuit, Pouakai Crossing, Taranaki Maunga Track, and Manganui Gorge Track.
Are there any trails with waterfalls in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki?
Yes, there are 11 trails with waterfalls in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki, including Wilkies Pools and Dawsons Falls Loop, Kapuni Loop Track to Dawson Falls, Maude Track to Mangakotukutuku Falls, Bells Falls Track, and Curtis Falls Track.
Are there any trails with volcano viewpoints in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki?
Yes, there are 3 trails with volcano viewpoints in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki, including Taranaki Maunga Summit Track, Taranaki Maunga Track, and Taranaki Maunga Summit and Pouakai Loop.
Are there any trails with huts in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki?
Yes, there are 51 trails with huts in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki, including Pouakai Tarns via Mangorei Track and Pouakai Hut, Taranaki Maunga Summit Track, Pouakai Hut to Mangorei Roadend, Pouakai Circuit, and Pouakai Crossing.
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki?
Yes, there are 26 trails with scenic viewpoints in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki, including Pouakai Tarns via Mangorei Track and Pouakai Hut, Taranaki Maunga Summit Track, Wilkies Pools and Dawsons Falls Loop, Wilkies Pool Walk, and Pouakai Circuit.
Are there any trails with lakes in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki?
Yes, there are 14 trails with lakes in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki, including Pouakai Tarns via Mangorei Track and Pouakai Hut, Pouakai Circuit, Pouakai Crossing, Mangorei Track to Henry Peak, and Maude Peak via Mangorei Track.
Are there any trails with rivers in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki?
Yes, there are 4 trails with rivers in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki, including Around the Mountain Circuit, Puniho Track to Holly Hut via Bells Falls Track, Holly Hut to Kahui Hut, and Waiaua Gorge Hut to Lake Dive via Taungatara Track.
Are there any trails with cliffs in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki?
Yes, there is one trail with a cliff in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki: Taranaki Maunga Track.
Are there any trails with gorges in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki?
Yes, there are 3 trails with gorges in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki, including Taranaki Maunga Summit Track, Taranaki Maunga Track, and Taranaki Maunga Summit and Pouakai Loop.