Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Nearby is Konini Lodge ( 06-756 0990; www.doc.govt.nz; Manaia Rd, Dawson Falls; dm $25) , a
DOC-managed 38-bed bunk-room accommodation with a full kitchen and good views of the
mountain from an outdoor deck.
INFORMATION
DOC operates two visitor information centres on the mountain, providing maps and other
information, including the latest weather forecasts and track conditions. North Egmont Vis-
itor Centre ( Click here ) is the closest to New Plymouth, and the major departure point for
trampers. The centre also houses displays and the Mountain Cafe (meals $10-18) , which
serves, among other things, ice-cold beer - something to keep in mind when you're finish-
ing a long tramp.
On the southeastern side of the mountain is Dawson Falls Visitor Centre ( Click here ) .
GUIDED TRAMPS
The reassuringly named and vastly experienced Ian McAlpine of Mt Taranaki Guided
Tours ( 441 7042; www.mttaranakiguidedtours.co.nz ) runs guided trips to the summit and
around the park year-round.
8 EMERGENCY EXITS
Mt Taranaki is famous for its trickery, giving visitors a false sense of safety that results
in numerous accidents each year. The high altitudes reached by road put inexperien-
ced trampers within easy reach of icy slopes and unpredictable conditions, including
massive rain dumps and subsequent rising river levels. A good number of rivers and
streams are not bridged and may become impassable after heavy rain. Usually it's
simply a case of waiting it out - once the rain stops the rivers recede almost as
quickly as they rise. From Kahui or Pouakai Huts it is possible to exit the park along
tracks not requiring river crossings, such as Kahui and Puniho tracks for Kahui Hut
and Mangorei track for Pouakai Hut.
8 Getting Around
More than 30 roads go to or near the national park, and from most of them a track leads into
the park. Three roads - Egmont, Pembroke and Manaia - take you up the mountain. These
roads are the most common access points.
Many trampers access the park along Egmont Rd, because it's the closest entrance to New
Plymouth; 13km southeast of New Plymouth it turns off SH3, then it's another 16km to the
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