Last Updated: 30th Jun 2025
Enchanted Eastern Mountain Loop
Enchanted Track, Tahurangi Track, Maketawa Track
Last Updated: 30th Jun 2025
Open
Grunt Factor: 39 ?
Gnarl Factor: 36 ?
22.9km
1515m
1520m
Last Updated: 30th Jun 2025
Enchanted Track, Tahurangi Track, Maketawa Track
Last Updated: 30th Jun 2025
Open
Grunt Factor: 39 ?
Gnarl Factor: 36 ?
22.9km
1515m
1520m
Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Undulating, some big hills
Native bush
Open ridges/tops
Volcanic
Gravel Road
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +13.2%
Average Downhill Gradient: -13.2%
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6:00
Slow
4:30
Moderate
3
Fast
From the Mountain House, find the track entrance to the south down the exit road. The sign will have on it (among other things) To Enchanted Track, Waingongoro Hut.
For just over 1 km you head along a great warm-up trail before you get to the sign pointing up The Enchanted Track / Plateau Carpark and the first of the climbs for the day. You'll come out the top of the track with full view of the mountain and plateau carpark in front of you, make your way to the carpark, and at the top of the carpark is the track to the ski field and onwards to Tahurangi Lodge.
At the track junction just above Tahurangi Lodge, carry on along the Round the Mountain track toward Holly Hut/North Egmont Visitor Centre. Once you come to another fork in the track, turn right to go down to the North Egmont Visitor Centre. When you exit the track take a quick note to the right is the translator track - you'll come back to that. Head down to the visitor centre. Amongst other facilities there is a water fountain available, so great spot to refill your water. Once finished at the visitors centre, head back up to the translator track. This is a 4wd track, follow it up until the track turns off and down to Makatawa Hut. From here follow you'll turn off to the right, and follow the track back to the Mountain House, past the Curtis Falls. This part of the track is less maintained, but still easy to follow and runnable.
A few valleys to go up and down with small stream crossings - typically dry in the summer, but can be flowing after rain. The crossing at Curtis Falls always has water, and typically can be crossed without having to get feet wet.
Great views of Taranaki and across to the east. Enjoy the new Manganui Suspension Bridge. See if you can spot a Blue duck at Curtis Falls area.
Public flush toilets available at the ski field and North Egmont Visitor Centre. Public bathrooms (long drop style) at the Mountain House and Plateau Carpark. Basic Long drop at Makatawa Hut.
Plenty of car parking at the Mountain House. When you arrive, parking to the right hand side carpark is easiest, and your track exit (where you'll return from) is at the top end of the carpark.
15 km
16 minutes
No
No
Easy.
Generally good.
Waterproof leggings, Thermal leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Short-sleeved thermal top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Compass, Map, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions), Gaiters
Hut/Roof water available at Ski Field and Makatawa hut (Boil water notice), Water filtered available at North Egmont Visitor center
Top track is up in Tussock area and past Ski Field - exposed to wind all year round. Low snow will cover track in winter - Check web cameras at Ski field and Tahurangi lodge for snow level in winter. Lower track has stream crossings which can become flooded in heavy rain. Lower track from Makatawa to Curtis Falls can be boggy in places in winter.
Stream crossings on the lower track, take care even in low flow - wet rocks and sandy shoes = slipping hazard!
Mountain House
At Start/finish of trail
https://www.stratfordmountainhouse.co.nz/
Convenient location as you start or finish. Note they are closed Monday and Tuesday,
Baking company
Stratford
Great coffee and Doughnuts
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Enchanted Eastern Mountain Loop
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