Last Updated: 9th Apr 2024

Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Pouakai Summit

New Plymouth, Taranaki

Submitted by Chris Wheatley

Last Updated: 9th Apr 2024

Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 36 ?

Gnarl Factor: 70 ?

16.7km

985m

985m

1378m

  

  

  

Login as a VIP to see driving directions, distance and time.

Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Out and Back

Very hilly

Native bush

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

60%
40%

Moderate Single Track

Untracked / Route only

Average Uphill Gradient: +12.6%

Average Downhill Gradient: -12.6%

Trailhead

Login as a VIP to see the trailhead information.

Estimated Times to Run

4:30

Slow

3:30

Moderate

2:30

Fast

Trail starts on the Mangorei Track (part of the Pouakai Crossing) up to Pouakai Hut. From there take the trail towards Holly Hut. Not far from there follow take the track signposted to Pouakai Summit. From that signpost the trail is fairly level crossing tussock and swampy areas to the base of the final peak. From here follow the poled route up to the summit trig. The old track here is very eroded and overgrown. Return via the same way.

This trail includes the peak Pouakai.

Amazing views over the swamp towards Mt Taranaki

If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.

Parking on the side of the sealed road. You re not allowed to park on the gravel section of the road.

19 km

21 minutes

No

No

Moderate.

Follow the signposts on the trails and then the old pole route markers for the final part up to the trig.

Patchy.

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

Water available at Pouakai Hut.

Winter may have snow/ice in the area and the final climb is pretty exposed.

Trail Legend

SB

Simon Bartley

has completed Pouakai Summit twice in the last year.

Learn about Trail Legends.

You and Pouakai Summit

As a VIP member you can record private notes for this trail, see all of your times and more.

Register Now

Already have an account? Login now

Trail Reviews

This was a fabulous run/walk! Views from the summit were epic. Great variety in terrain.

Brenda Szabo

April 2, 2024

One of the best I’ve ever done. The views from the summit on a clear day are breathtaking! I also did the side track to the tarn for the view of Egmont reflected in the lake. Well worth it if you haven’t done that before. The trail itself is boardwalk to the hut, then a grunty tussocky climb from as you get closer to the summit - not very runnable. But an amazing route and I’m so pleased I got the opportunity to run up here

Joe Benbow

January 15, 2021

Awesome boardwalk for first half. Bit rough on second. Great long uphill. Just awesome. Easy access. Great carpark.

Kerry Bennett

July 15, 2020

Login to submit a review

Trail Running Community

Find people who are interested in or have completed this trail run.

You must register or login to view this feature.

Register Now

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.

Pouakai Hut and Tarns

Pouakai Hut and Tarns

Length: 12.3km

Level: Beginner - Intermediate

Mangorei to North Egmont

Mangorei to North Egmont

Length: 13.8km

Level: Intermediate

Pouakai Crossing

Pouakai Crossing

Length: 18.0km

Level: Beginner - Intermediate

Other trails nearby
Lake Mangamahoe

Lake Mangamahoe

Length: 7.0km

Level: Beginner - Intermediate

NP Urban Trail Run

NP Urban Trail Run

Length: 11.0km

Level: Beginner

Tahurangi Traverse

Tahurangi Traverse

Length: 8.0km

Level: Beginner - Intermediate

Mana Bay- Patea river and beach

Mana Bay- Patea river and beach

Length: 8.9km

Level: Beginner

Find more trails and peaks nearby