Captivating Sunset Views
Located in Taranaki, south of New Plymouth in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki, Mount Taranaki is a stunning visual experience, especially at sunset. During a visit, you might witness the mountain transitioning from being enveloped in storm clouds to revealing its full colours as the sun's rays reflect off the rain. Although it may not always provide the perfect Instagram shot, the view is undeniably captivating.
Accessing Mt Taranaki and Short Walks
Mount Taranaki is easily accessed via DOC-managed entrances, each with a range of short walks that explore the mountain’s rainforest and dramatic volcanic landscapes. The North Egmont Visitor Centre is the most popular entry point, with well-maintained facilities and several tracks. From here, the Pouakai Tarns Track (around 2 hours return) is a top pick, with incredible reflections of Mt Taranaki on still days, while the Ambury Monument Track and Translator Tower Track (approx. 1 hour return) provide sweeping views over the Taranaki region.
To the south, the road to the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre provides access to the beautiful Dawson Falls and features a network of short trails, such as the Wilkies Pools Loop Track (45 minutes return), which leads to a series of clear alpine pools formed in lava bedrock, and nearby Goblin Forest tracks. The Kapuni Loop Track and Ridge Loop Track are forested circuits with waterfall views and interpretive signage.
On the eastern side of the mountain, East Egmont is a quieter gateway with scenic short walks like the Potaema Track, an easy boardwalk loop (15 minutes return) through wetland forest, and the Mangana Track, which winds through dense bush for 30–60 minutes.
Around the Mountain Circuit
For experienced trampers seeking a multi-day adventure, the Around the Mountain Circuit is a challenging 4–5 day tramp that loops around the base of Mt Taranaki. Covering approximately 52 km, the track traverses a wide variety of terrain, from mossy goblin forest and alpine tussock to river valleys and rugged lava flows.
The circuit includes several backcountry huts such as Holly Hut, Waiaua Gorge Hut, and Lake Dive Hut, with basic shelter for overnight stays. While not as steep as the summit climb, the track demands good fitness and preparation, especially as the weather can change rapidly. The circuit offers stunning, ever-changing views of the mountain and is one of New Zealand’s most scenic, least-travelled multi-day hikes.
Hiking to the Summit
In the Summer, you can tramp to the 2,518-metre peak. This challenging hike up the Northern Summit Route on the North Ridge is particularly popular for those aiming to catch the sunrise from the summit. The climb is 6.3 km long, starting from North Egmont, with an elevation gain of 1,560 metres, and typically takes up to six hours from the North Egmont Visitor Centre car park.
To make the early morning ascent more manageable, you can opt to stay overnight at Matekawa Hut, 1 hour up the mountain from the car park. Another alternative is the private Tahurangi Lodge. Outside the summer months, climbing requires mountaineering skills and ice and snow climbing equipment.
How to Get There
From New Plymouth, take State Highway 3 to Egmont Village. From there, head south on Egmont Road to North Egmont at 952 metres on the side of Mount Taranaki. This drive takes 30 minutes and is 28 km. Continuing south on SH3 takes you to Startford, and from there you can access East Egmont and Dawson Falls. Allow another 30 minutes of drivetime for these options.
