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North Egmont, Egmont National Park
6.5 km
3 hours
750 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you are looking for a quintessential Taranaki experience that packs a punch, the Maketawa Hut Track is calling your name. Tucked into the lush, moody slopes of Egmont National Park, this 6.5-kilometre loop is more than just a walk in the woods; it is an immersive journey through some of the most dramatic subalpine scenery in New Zealand.
While the distance might seem modest, don’t let the numbers fool you. With a beefy 750-metre elevation gain squeezed into a three-hour circuit, this is a true "legs-day" adventure. It is officially classified as an Advanced Tramping Track by the Department of Conservation, which is "kiwi-speak" for: expect roots, mud, and a decent workout. This is a track for those who like their nature a little bit rugged and their views well-earned.
The journey begins at the North Egmont Visitor Centre, perched high on the side of the volcano. From here, you have a choice to make, as the loop can be tackled in either direction. Most locals suggest heading up the Maketawa Track and descending via the Translator Road (also known as the North Egmont Summit Track), but whichever way you choose, you are in for a treat.
Entering the bush on the lower Maketawa Track feels like stepping into a different world. This is the famous 'goblin forest', where kāmahi trees wrap their twisted, moss-covered limbs around anything they can reach. The terrain here is classic Taranaki: a labyrinth of gnarled tree roots that require careful foot placement, especially after a bout of the mountain’s famous rainfall. You will find yourself navigating a series of steps and even a few small ladders, which add a bit of a scramble to the ascent.
The track also involves several unbridged stream crossings. In normal conditions, these are a breeze—just a quick hop over clear mountain water. However, Taranaki Maunga is a catchment like no other. During heavy rain, these small streams can transform into raging torrents in minutes. If the water looks high or the weather is turning nasty, the best rule of thumb is to stay put or turn back.
As you climb higher, the forest begins to thin, and the air grows crisper. You’ll eventually emerge at Maketawa Hut, sitting at 1,069 metres above sea level. After the sweat of the climb, the view from the hut deck is nothing short of spectacular. On a clear day, the mountain towers above you, its symmetrical cone dominant and imposing, while the Tasman Sea stretches out to the horizon in the other direction.
Parking at the North Egmont road end is currently limited until December 2026 due to ongoing construction of a new visitor centre. Large trucks will be using the road, so drive carefully and anticipate occasional delays. Carpooling or using a shuttle is recommended. Freedom camping is strictly prohibited at the North Egmont Road end.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
0m away
Located directly at the trailhead, offering basic refreshments and light meals for hikers before or after their tramp. The visitor centre also provides essential information and facilities.
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Loop
The return leg via the Translator Road offers a complete change of pace. This is a wide, gravelled service road that provides a much easier footing for the descent. It allows you to take your eyes off your feet and soak in the expansive views of the surrounding ring plain and, if luck is on your side, the distant snowy peaks of Tongariro National Park shimmering on the eastern horizon.
The undisputed star of the show is the 'Goblin Forest'. The way the mist clings to the lichen-draped branches creates an atmosphere that feels straight out of a fantasy novel. It’s a photographer's dream, especially when the light filters through the canopy in soft, ethereal beams.
Another standout is Maketawa Hut itself. For those looking for an introduction to overnight tramping, this is a fantastic "starter" hut. It is a serviced 16-bunk hut equipped with a fireplace and basic facilities. There is something truly magical about watching the sunset from the deck and then waking up to a Taranaki sunrise, where the first light hits the peak of the mountain, turning the snow (or rock) a brilliant shade of pink and orange.
Finally, the panoramic views from the upper sections of the track are world-class. Being on an isolated volcanic peak means there is nothing to block your line of sight. You can see the patchwork of Taranaki's dairy farms stretching toward the coast, creating a stark contrast between the wild national park and the managed land beyond.
To get to the trailhead, follow Egmont Road all the way to the end. It’s a winding, scenic drive from New Plymouth that takes about 25–30 minutes.
Important Parking Note: Access at the North Egmont road end is currently a bit of a squeeze. Due to the construction of a brand-new visitor centre, parking is strictly limited until at least December 2026. Large construction vehicles frequently use the narrow road, so take it slow and be prepared for delays. To save yourself the headache of a full car park, we highly recommend carpooling with mates or looking into local shuttle services from New Plymouth or Egmont Village.
Please remember that freedom camping is strictly prohibited at the road end. If you want to stay the night, your best bet is to book a bunk in the hut or stay at one of the holiday parks in the surrounding area.
As you move through the different altitudinal zones, keep your ears open for the local residents. The forest here is alive with native birdlife, thanks to intensive pest control efforts in the park.
Tip: The best time for birdwatching is early morning. If you stay overnight at the hut, the "dawn chorus" as the sun rises is an experience that will stay with you forever.
The Maketawa Hut Track is a "year-round" destination, but each season brings a different flavour:
Pro Tip: Because this is an Advanced track with significant climbing and rugged terrain, it is not suitable for young children or dogs. Dogs are strictly prohibited in Egmont National Park to protect the native wildlife.
To the local Māori iwi (tribes), Taranaki Maunga is much more than a mountain; he is an ancestor and a living spiritual presence. According to legend, Taranaki once lived in the centre of the North Island with the other great mountains: Tongariro, Ruapehu, and Ngauruhoe. After a battle for the heart of the beautiful Mount Pihanga, Taranaki was defeated by Tongariro and fled to the west, carving out the path of the Whanganui River as he went. He now stands in solitary majesty, often hiding his face in clouds as he weeps for his lost love.
When you walk here, you are walking on land with deep cultural significance. Visitors are encouraged to treat the mountain with immense respect—stick to the tracks, pack out your rubbish, and acknowledge the mana (prestige) of this sacred site.
Once you’ve made it back down and your legs are feeling like jelly, there is no better place to refuel than the North Egmont Visitor Centre Cafe.
Located right at the trailhead, it offers exactly what a tired hiker needs: hot coffee, cold drinks, and light meals. Sitting there with a flat white, looking back up at the mountain you just climbed, is the perfect way to end the day. The staff at the visitor centre are also a wealth of knowledge if you want to learn more about the geology or history of the park.
If you’re heading back towards New Plymouth, there are plenty of great pubs in the city to grab a more substantial "victory burger," but for that immediate post-hike glow, the mountain-side cafe is unbeatable.
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Anthornis melanura
Endemic songbird with bell-like calls. Males are olive-green with a purple head sheen; females are browner with a narrow white-yellow stripe across the cheek.
Best time: Year-round
Gerygone igata
Small greyish songbird also known as Riroriro. Has a distinctive trembling song often heard before seen.
Best time: Year-round