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Egmont National Park
3 km
2 hours
231 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you’re looking for a hike that packs the very best of Taranaki’s rugged beauty into a manageable two-hour loop, the Veronica Loop Track is exactly where you want to be. Starting from the North Egmont Visitor Centre, this trail isn’t just a stroll in the park—it’s an immersive journey through the ancient, atmospheric "Goblin Forest" that clings to the slopes of the mighty Taranaki Maunga.
The walk begins with a gentle introduction as you follow a well-maintained boardwalk. You’ll immediately feel the crisp mountain air, which often carries a hint of damp earth and fresh nectar. You’ll pass the historic Camphouse, a building that feels like a time capsule from the early days of New Zealand mountaineering, before reaching the Ambury Monument. This spot is a poignant reminder of the mountain's power and the history of those who have explored its slopes.
Don’t let the easy start fool you, though. Once you pass the monument, the real work begins. While the Department of Conservation (DOC) officially rates this as an "Easy" walk, most locals and seasoned hikers on AllTrails would firmly place it in the Moderate category. Why? Because of the stairs. There are quite a few of them! You’ll be tackling a steady ascent that gains about 231 metres in elevation, which is enough to get your heart rate up and your legs feeling the burn.
As you climb, the forest around you begins to transform. You are entering the montane zone, where the lush lowland bush gives way to a more rugged, alpine rainforest. The path winds upwards through a dense canopy, but the effort is rewarded at every turn. On a clear day, the forest occasionally opens up to reveal staggering views of the Taranaki coastline stretching out toward the Tasman Sea. If the "mountain is out" (as the locals say), you’ll get breathtaking, close-up glimpses of the near-perfect volcanic cone of the summit towering above you. It’s a powerful feeling, standing on the side of a dormant stratovolcano, surrounded by nothing but the sound of the wind and the occasional bird call.
The descent is where the magic really happens. As the loop begins to curve back toward the visitor centre, you’ll find yourself walking through a verdant tapestry of kāmahi and Hall's tōtara forest. The trees here are gnarled, twisted, and draped in thick layers of moss and epiphytes. This is the famous 'Goblin Forest'. When the mountain mist rolls in—which it often does—the forest takes on a mystical, almost eerie quality that feels like something straight out of a fantasy novel. The trail underfoot can be a bit damp and uneven here, so take your time and enjoy the sensory experience of this unique ecosystem.
Parking is available at the North Egmont Visitor Centre car park, North Egmont Overflow Car Park, and Egmont National Park Visitor Centre Car Park.
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
In Māori mythology, the pīwakawaka is considered a messenger, sometimes bringing news of death.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
100m away
Located right at the North Egmont Visitor Centre, offering refreshments and a convenient stop before or after your hike.
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Loop
The Veronica Loop Track is a favourite for a reason. Here are the standout features you won’t want to miss:
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.
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:
Tip: The best time for birdwatching is early morning when the forest is waking up and the air is still.
The Veronica Loop Track is accessible all year round, but each season brings a different flavour to the experience:
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 you’ve conquered the stairs and filled your camera roll with photos of the Goblin Forest, you’ll likely be ready for a treat.
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.
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
Apteryx mantelli
The kiwi is New Zealand's national icon, a nocturnal and flightless bird known for its long, sensitive beak with nostrils at the tip, used to sniff out food.
Best time: Year-round