Guide to Egmont National Park

Visitors are drawn to Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki / Egmont National Park for the opportunity to explore the landscapes surrounding Mount Taranaki, a dormant volcano with an almost perfect conical shape. The park’s standout features include dense rainforest, moss-covered trees, waterfalls, and panoramic views across the Taranaki region. 

Several tracks leave from different park entrances, catering to a wide range of walking preferences. Highlights include: 

• The family-friendly Wilkies Pools track  

• The atmospheric Goblin Forest walk 

• The alpine boardwalks of the Ahukawakawa Swamp.  

• Longer options include the Pouakai Circuit – a multi-day trek across the lower slopes, and the full-day Mt Taranaki summit climb, which requires good fitness and suitable conditions. 

Scenic viewpoints, such as those at Dawson Falls or the Pouakai Tarns, offer memorable photo opportunities. Whether you’re here to walk, picnic, or simply view the mountain, the park offers easy access to its natural features with well-maintained tracks and visitor facilities. 

How long should I spend at Egmont National Park?

Your ideal time in Egmont National Park depends on the types of activities you're interested in. 

• Short visit (1 day): If you’re travelling through the region and want to see the highlights, a day trip is enough for popular short walks such as the Wilkies Pools loop, Goblin Forest walk, and Dawson Falls. These tracks offer access to some of the park’s most well-known scenery in a manageable timeframe. 

• 2–3 days: For travellers looking to complete one of the longer hikes such as the Pouakai Circuit (typically 2–3 days) or the Mt Taranaki summit climb (full-day, best started at dawn), you’ll want to plan a stay of at least two nights. This also allows time for changing weather conditions, which are common in this alpine region. 

If you're travelling by campervan, staying nearby or at local holiday parks gives flexibility in choosing when to walk based on weather and visibility. 

Why was Mt Egmont changed to Mt Taranaki?

The name Mount Taranaki has long been used by Māori iwi in the region and reflects the mountain’s deep cultural and spiritual significance. In 1986, the mountain was officially assigned the dual name Mount Taranaki or Mount Egmont, recognising both the traditional Māori name and the name given by Captain Cook in 1770 to honour the Earl of Egmont. 

In recent years, further steps have been taken to restore the mountain’s indigenous identity. In 2022, the Department of Conservation and local iwi confirmed that the name of the national park was officially changed to Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki. This replaces the previous name, Egmont National Park, and acknowledges the maunga as a living ancestor and sacred entity. 

Today, Taranaki is the preferred name for both the mountain and the park, aligning with the efforts of the Taranaki Mounga Project to return guardianship and naming rights to the eight local iwi connected to the region. 

How to get to Egmont National Park 

Egmont National Park lies around 28 km southwest of New Plymouth, the largest city in the Taranaki region. Most visitors drive directly to the North Egmont Visitor Centre, which acts as a base for several popular tracks. 

Travel time from New Plymouth is approximately 40 minutes. Follow SH3 out of New Plymouth, then take Egmont Road, which leads directly to the North Egmont entrance of the park. 

The visitor centre provides maps, weather updates, and track information. It’s also the main access point for walks to Ahukawakawa Swamp, the Pouakai Hut, and the Taranaki summit route. 

Best time to visit Egmont National Park

Summer (December–February) is the most popular time to visit. Weather is typically warmer and drier, making it the safest and most pleasant season for hikes, particularly the longer or higher-elevation routes. Alpine wildflowers also bloom during this time. 

Autumn (March–May) brings cooler temperatures and fewer visitors. If conditions are stable, it remains a good time for both day walks and overnight hikes. Forest trails are especially scenic with colourful foliage. 

The best time of day to visit is the morning, particularly for photography or longer hikes. Skies are usually clearer before midday, offering unobstructed views of Mount Taranaki. Sunset is also a favourite time to visit the Pouakai Tarns, known for their mirrored reflections of the mountain. 

Weather at Egmont National Park

The park has a cool, wet climate year-round. Conditions can change rapidly, particularly at higher elevations, so it’s important to check forecasts and prepare for rain even on seemingly clear days. 

Average seasonal temperatures: 

• Summer: 18–22°C 

• Autumn: 10–18°C 

• Winter: 0–4°C (with snow at elevation) 

• Spring: 12–20°C 

Even in summer, temperatures can drop quickly near the summit or overnight. 

Best place to park your campervan at Egmont National Park

Campervan parking is available at the North Taranaki Visitor Centre, but the number of suitable spaces is limited, especially during summer or weekends. Early arrival is recommended if you're planning a hike from this entrance point. 

For overnight stays, there are powered sites at nearby locations such as the Egmont Eco Lodge in New Plymouth and Belt Road Seaside Holiday Park, both offering easy access to the national park and local services.