Last Updated: 27th Jan 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Pouakai Crossing

New Plymouth, Taranaki

Submitted by Chris Wheatley

Last Updated: 27th Jan 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 31 ?

Gnarl Factor: 51 ?

18.0km

915m

1000m

1400m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Point to Point (one way)

Undulating, some big hills

Native bush

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

25%
50%
25%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +13.7%

Average Downhill Gradient: -12.2%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

4:00

Slow

3:15

Moderate

2:30

Fast

This is the very popular Pouakai Crossing track. The track takes you up a ridge from North Egmont Visitors Centre to the around the mountain track heading west towards Holly Hut. If needed the hut is a couple of minutes off the track where you can stop for a water refill. The track then crosses the Ahukawakawa Swamp, separating the main mountain peak from the Pouakai Ranges, before climbing up to the ridge tops of the Pouakais. Next you follow the track to Pouakai Hut before descending down to the road end at Mangorei Rd.

Crossing the swamp with awesome views back at Mt Taranaki

Lots of parking there. The crossing is a point to point track so you will need to arrange a drop off or pick up at either end. Taranaki Mountain Shuttles can do this.

29 km

30 minutes

Unknown

No

Easy.

The track is very well signposted and a popular walk for trampers

Generally good.

Waterproof leggings, Thermal leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map.

Available at the huts.

During winter the tops are prone to snow cover

Be careful crossing Boomerang slip, advised to cross one at a time as its pretty unstable and prone to rocks being knocked down

Trail Legend

June Hart

June Hart

has completed Pouakai Crossing once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Up until about 18km this might have been one of my favourite runs ever. Helped by glorious views and blue skies it was a phenomenal morning. Some very runnable tracks and some more technical ones but that's all part of the fun. I struggled abit to get going once dropping into the forest due to all the roots and feeling very thirsty ( pack more water kids) I'd do it again in a heartbeat

Alex Slack

December 29, 2022

We (The Deadbeat Dadz - @dbdnz2108) - did this the last day of June 2019. Luckily the weather had been good the week leading up to it, so the track was fairly good - a few muddy patches, but nothing too bad.Awesome track. The 1st half (from North Egmont visitors to Henrys peak) is a lot more rugged than the 2nd half. A lot of steep climbing, and dodging tree roots. The second half (Henrys Peak to Mangorei Rd carpark) is pretty much all boardwalk, and all down hill.3hr 20min for a couple 100kg plus guys trying to run it. Would definitely recommend it. Try pick a good day as there are some great pics to be had.

Brad McMillan

July 1, 2019

I did this in May and it was still glorious with beautiful blue skies for parts and cloudy for parts. was really muddy, ankle deep for some portions. enjoyed this walk.

Katie Rooks

May 2, 2018

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Overlapping Trails

These overlap with this trail 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 activity for each.

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