Mt Egmont/Taranaki North Route.Intermediate - Experienced
Submitted by Richard Jackson
Back country - remote
Out and Back
Mountainous
Native bushOpen tussock/grasslandsOpen ridges/tops
Intermediate - Experienced
8:0000 (Slow)
5:30 (Moderate)
3:15 (Fast)
-29.2%
+29.2%
Climbing to the summit is advised during the summer months only (December-April) and only in good weather!
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
Tag the summit - goes without saying! Route variations on the high scree slopes are fine - pick your own route!
Please set your gender to see your position on the FKT leaderboards.
The more , the harder the FKT will be to beat. Learn about Fastest Known Times.
Description
Leaving from the Egmont Visitor Centre follow the boardwalk up to the locked gate cross the stile and follow the gravel road. Depending on fitness levels this part of the climb can be enjoyed with some good up hill running.
Once you hit the “Puffer” (the concrete vehicle track), the climb steepens considerably. At the 4km mark you will pass Tahurangi Lodge 1492m, the lodge is private owned so will be locked but there is a small shelter for public use. Remember there is no water supply so carry all you need with you.
Travel past under the hut heading up into the “Hongi Valley“and up through the rocks. A series of steps brings you up out of the valley and on to the start of the scoria slope. Follow the poles up the face to the start of the “Lizard” and begin the final ascent to the summit following the poles up through the scoria and rocks. If there is snow on the mountain it’s advisable to put your spikes on as it can get very icy at this height and a fall at this part of the mountain could result in major injury or worse. Cross the permanent snow/ice in the crater to the final climb to the summit. 2518m of amazing views!, Enjoy the moment.
Descend following the same route and enjoy some great downhill running all the way back to the car park.
Trail Community
Features of interest
Dormant volcano, stunning views
Make Up of Run
Untracked / Route only: 40%
Technical Single Track: 20%
Moderate Single Track: 10%
Easy Single Track: 0%
Farm Road / 4WD Track: 0%
Gravel Road: 30%
Sealed Road: 0%
Route Data
Reviews:
Overlapping Runs
The following trails overlap with this run to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate Strava activity for each

Tahurangi Traverse
Length: 8.00km
Photos:
Your Trail Wishlist
All the runs that are on your To Do list (no limit).
Add to wishlist view wishlistWild Explorers
I did it!-
Access
Drive to the Egmont Park visitor centre, approximately 30 minute drive from New Plymouth.
There is limited parking at Mt Egmont visitor centre so a early start is advised especially during the busy holiday months. There is a shuttle service that leaves from New Plymouth.
19 km
21 minutes
No
No
-
Staying Safe
Moderate.
Follow signs away from Mt Egmont Visitor Centre. Once you pass Tahurangi lodge follow the marker polls.
Very patchy.
Waterproof leggings, Thermal leggings, Short-sleeved thermal top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions), Gaiters.
No guaranteed water supply. Carry all your water for the day from leaving your car.
The mountain can become very dangerous during the winter months while under heavy snow and during Spring as it melts during avalanche season.
Unless you are an experienced mountaineer the best time to access the mountain is during summer months between December and April.
Be prepared for all weather conditions, a clear warm day can change quickly. Carry micro spikes as even in summer there can be snow on the ground.The scoria and rocks are volcanic so can be very abrasive on the skin with slips and falls ect.
-
Post run indulgence
Kamahi Cafe
North Egmont visitor centre
https://buylocainz.com
At the end of your run before leaving. -
Blog Posts and Articles
www.wildtaranaki.co.nz
www.summitpost.org
www.wilderness at.co.nz
-
Sponsor this trail