Pouakai Hut and Tarns Beginner - Intermediate

Description

The start of the run is an easy 25 minute drive from central New Plymouth. Simply follow Mangorei Road from town toward the mountain, all the way to its end. The track proper begins about 2 min up a gravel driveway and dives straight into native forest.The path has been 'pedestrianised' with duckboards and steps made of 50mm x 50mm rails spaced close together. This makes it pretty impervious to weather, but somewhat alarming to run on, as it can be pretty greasy.

There are no side trails before the hut, so no ninja navigation skills are required, just head in the direction of'up' for approx 5.25 km. As you go steadily up the ridge, the track progresses through forest that slowly gives way to scrubby trees and low bushes until you finally emerge onto the bare ridge below the hut. There are several great spots for photo opps along the way and on a clear day the views of the coastal plains are stunning.

The Pouakai hut itself sits at the head of a gorge on a saddle between two hills. A short walk up behind the hut onto the Pouakai Track takes you to a plateau where you are face to face with the mountain himself, with great views of the Ahukawakawa Swamp down in the foreground. Heading east along the Pouakai Track through alpine meadow takes you to the Pouakai Tarns; still pools that mirror the mountain on calm days. The track continues onward to North Egmont and makes a big loop known as the Pouakai Circuit, but for this run you can retrace your steps back past the hut and return down the Mangorei track to the road.

It's a good workout on an easy track though the boardwalk can be a bit treacherous so it pays to be a bit cautious coming down.
The views can be amazing, but remember that this is mountain country and the weather can change very fast. Keep an eye on the forecast and take appropriate gear including waterproof and warm layers and let someone know your plans.

Features of interest

Beech forest giving way to alpine shrubs as the path ascends. Alpine meadows with red tussock and alpine herbs and mosslands up on the ridges.
Spectacular views of Mt. Taranaki as well as the Pouakai and Kaitaki Ranges and the North Taranaki coast all the way to Albatross Point.

Make Up of Run

Easy Single Track: 95%

Gravel Road: 5%

Route Data