Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The way home is via
Mangorei Track
, which departs from Pouakai Hut and heads stead-
ily downhill on a stepped boardwalk for 1½ to two hours to reach the road's end. This re-
cently upgraded track is very popular with locals due to its proximity to New Plymouth.
After a short downhill stretch through low shrub the track partially circumnavigates the
knoll known to locals as Photographic Peak (1232m). Look out for the historic graffiti
carved in rock on the left as you descend, and be sure to pause to appreciate the views of
northern Taranaki and coastline before you drop below the bushline.
The last area of low shrub is known as Graylings Clearing, where pioneering summit
parties would graze their horses and pick up a fresh mount. Growing in this area is the un-
usual parasitic plant
Dactylanthus taylorii,
otherwise known as wood rose.
From here the track continues its constant descent through rainforest broken only by one
of the last stands of mature rimu and miro to escape the last eruption of Mt Taranaki.
Around 30 minutes later you will emerge at a gravel road; follow it for five minutes to reach
the road end and transport pick-up point.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Around the Mountain Circuit
Duration
5 days
Distance
49-53km (30-33 miles)
Track Standard
Tramping track
Difficulty
Moderate to demanding
Start/End
North Egmont
Nearest Towns
New Plymouth (
Click here
)
, Stratford (
Click here
)
Transport
Shuttle bus
Summary
Around the Mountain Circuit (AMC) is a backcountry track for experienced
trampers through stunted subalpine forest and spectacular volcanic scenery. Circumnavigat-
ing Mt Taranaki, you're spoiled for views up, down and around the mountain, with options
for side trips to waterfalls, a historic hut and the 2518m peak itself.
The track can be started at either North Egmont or Dawson Falls. The tramp is described
here in an anticlockwise direction beginning at North Egmont. Trampers starting at Dawson
