Veronica Loop Track

Loop

Highlights & Must-See Features

The Veronica Loop Track is a favourite for a reason. Here are the standout features you won’t want to miss:

• The Goblin Forest: This is arguably the highlight of the entire walk. The twisted kāmahi trees, covered in hanging moss and ferns, create a prehistoric atmosphere. It is a photographer's dream, especially on a moody, overcast day when the greens look incredibly vibrant.
• The Holly Hut Track Lookout: About halfway through the loop, you’ll reach a key junction. I highly recommend taking the ten-minute detour up the Holly Hut Track. This short side-trip leads to a fantastic lookout point that offers some of the most expansive, unhindered vistas of the Taranaki plains and the mountain summit.
• The Camphouse: Take a moment at the start or end of your walk to appreciate this historic building. Originally built as a barracks in the 1850s and moved to the mountain in 1891, it represents the very beginning of tourism and climbing in Egmont National Park.
• Volcanic Vistas: Because you are on the slopes of an active volcanic landscape, the geological features are everywhere. Look for the dark, volcanic rock peeking through the greenery and notice how the vegetation changes as you gain altitude.

Getting There

Accessing the trailhead is straightforward, making it a great option for a half-day adventure. From New Plymouth, it’s about a 20-to-30-minute drive. Head south on State Highway 3 to Egmont Village, then turn onto Egmont Road. Follow this road all the way to the end, where it winds its way up the mountain to the North Egmont Visitor Centre.

• There is a primary car park directly at the North Egmont Visitor Centre.
• On busy weekends or during the peak summer season, this can fill up quickly. If so, there is a North Egmont Overflow Car Park further down the road, and additional parking at the Egmont National Park Visitor Centre Car Park.

Wildlife Spotting

While the scenery is the main draw, the birdlife on the mountain provides a beautiful soundtrack to your hike. Keep your eyes and ears open for these native residents:

• Tūī: These are very common year-round. You’ll often hear their complex, melodic whistles and "chorts" before you see their iridescent blue-black feathers and white throat tufts.
• New Zealand Fantail (Pīwakawaka): These cheeky little birds are almost guaranteed to follow you along the track, flitting about to catch the insects you disturb as you walk.
• Kererū: Look up into the canopy of the kāmahi trees for these large, heavy wood pigeons. You’ll often hear the distinctive "whoosh-whoosh" of their wings as they fly between branches.
• Bellbird (Korimako): Their song is often mistaken for the Tūī, but it has a clearer, bell-like tone. They are occasionally seen darting through the foliage.
• North Island Brown Kiwi: While they are rare and strictly nocturnal, Egmont National Park is a known habitat. If you happen to be staying overnight at the Camphouse, you might just hear their piercing calls echoing through the bush after dark.

Tip: The best time for birdwatching is early morning when the forest is waking up and the air is still.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

The Veronica Loop Track is accessible all year round, but each season brings a different flavour to the experience:

• Spring: The forest is incredibly lush, and the birdlife is at its most active. You might see the mountain's alpine flowers beginning to bloom.
• Summer: This is the most popular time to visit. The temperatures are cooler on the mountain than on the coast, providing a refreshing escape from the heat.
• Autumn: The light is often softer and more golden, which makes for incredible photos in the Goblin Forest.
• Winter: A truly spectacular time, as the summit of Taranaki Maunga is heavily cloaked in snow. However, the track itself can be icy and very slippery.

• Start Time: I recommend starting by 9:00 am to beat the clouds that often gather around the summit by midday.
• Gear: Even if it’s a sunny day at the beach in New Plymouth, the weather on the mountain can change in minutes. Always bring a waterproof jacket and an extra warm layer.
• Footwear: Because of the stairs and potential for mud in the Goblin Forest, sturdy footwear with good grip is a must. Avoid jandals or flat-soled sneakers.
• Sun Protection: The alpine sun is fierce. Wear a hat and apply sunscreen, even if it feels cool.
• Water: There are no water points on the trail, so carry at least one litre per person.

Local & Regional Context

To the local iwi (tribes), Taranaki Maunga is a sacred ancestor. According to Māori legend, Taranaki once lived in the centre of the North Island with the other great mountains. After a dispute over the beautiful Mount Pihanga, Taranaki moved west, carving out the path of the Whanganui River as he went, eventually settling where he stands today. This cultural connection makes the mountain more than just a geological feature; it is the spiritual heart of the region.

Geologically, the mountain is a "sleeping" volcano. The Veronica Loop traverses some of the older lava flows and debris from past eruptions. The park was established in 1900, making it New Zealand’s second national park, and it remains a stronghold for native biodiversity thanks to intensive trapping and conservation efforts to protect the birds from predators like stoats and rats.

Note: Because this is a National Park and a sensitive ecological area, dogs are not permitted on the track. It is, however, very kid-friendly for older children who don't mind a few stairs!

After the Walk

After you’ve conquered the stairs and filled your camera roll with photos of the Goblin Forest, you’ll likely be ready for a treat.

• The Mountain Cafe: You don’t even have to move your car! Located right at the North Egmont Visitor Centre, this cafe is the perfect spot to refuel. They serve great coffee, savoury snacks, and hearty cakes. Sitting on the deck with a flat white while looking back up at the mountain you just hiked is the ultimate way to end your morning.

Whether you’re a local looking for your weekly cardio fix or a tourist wanting to experience the "real" Middle-earth vibes of New Zealand’s bush, the Veronica Loop Track is an unmissable Taranaki experience.