DOC Latest Update, includes Egmont National Park

Taranaki Track Information
Winter Update
28 July 2010

Egmont National Park - General

Contact the Egmont National Park Visitor Centre (North Egmont) for up to date weather and track information.
Help us protect our native wildlife – please don’t bring your dog into Egmont National Park. Dog owners bringing dogs into the park may face prosecution.

• Ice and snow conditions now exist on Mt Taranaki and crampons and ice axes are needed to reach the summit. Extreme caution is required.
• Upper mountain tracks can be ice covered. Ice axe and crampons may be required. Extreme caution needed on these tracks.
• The Holly Hut track over the Boomerang Slip has eroded – the narrow track is still passable but extra care is required.
• Trampers need to be aware there may be no running water at huts due to frozen pipes.
• Waiwhakaiho Track: two bridge structures on the section of track from Rahiri Cottage to the Waiwhakaiho River have been closed for safety reasons. Visitors are advised not to use these structures and that alternative crossings are not particularly easy.

Operation Egmont, a possum control project using 1080 poison took place in Egmont National Park in mid February 2010. Members of the public are asked not touch any possum carcasses they may encounter.

Mt Taranaki Summit Conditions
• Winter conditions exist on the mountain and ice axe and crampons are needed to climb to the summit. Contact North Egmont Visitor Centre for up to date information.
• The summit of Taranaki is sacred. Please do not stand on the top point.

Pouakai Circuit
• There may be ice on higher level tracks. Be aware of erosion around unbridged streams and rivers - look closely for route markers. Caution – streams rise quickly during heavy rain. If in doubt do not cross.

Around the Mountain Circuit
This circuit is for experienced trampers and more suited to summer conditions. In winter conditions upper tracks are very exposed and likely to require ice axe and crampons, track marker poles may be difficult to see. Lower tracks may be extremely muddy. Times may take longer than stated due to track and weather conditions. Caution: streams rise quickly during heavy rain. If in doubt do not cross.
• Western side of circuit from Holly Hut to Lake Dive Hut – this area is subject to windfalls, mud and eroded stream crossings. Look carefully for track evidence and markers especially in the Stony River area.
• Waiaua Gorge swing-bridge no longer exists and the marked detour takes an extra 20-40mins.
• Upper Brames Falls track – parts of the track are exposed and have eroded – take care. Expect snow and ice.

Other DOC Areas
• Stony River Walkway in Okato – The farmland section of this track is closed due to track / structure damage. The short section of track from Hickford Place across the white swingbridge to the Okato Domain is open (return the same way).
• Whitecliffs Walkway –The Te Horo Stock Tunnel remains closed due to erosion. Other tracks are all open. NB the walkway is closed from July 1 -Sept 30 for lambing.
• Everett Park – Vehicle access is closed for winter– foot access only until late October.