Table of Content:
Introduction
Mount Taranaki is an iconic volcanic peak on New Zealand’s North Island, drawing hikers and adventurers for its stunning views, diverse landscapes, and the renowned Pouakai Reflective Tarn. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know for a successful and memorable trek to the tarn via the Mangorei Track.
I had decided to give climbing to the reflective tarn a go after travelling to New Zealand for a month in my camper van. If you are flying in from Auckland, the drive to Mount Taranaki will take you around five hours. The nearest city to the mountain is New Plymouth, which not only offers history about the mountain but there is also plenty of places to stay and experience!
Across the mountain, there are numerous tracks to take, we chose the the Mangorei Track as it is one of the most accessible and rewarding routes for reaching the tarn. Here, you’ll witness breathtaking reflections of Mount Taranaki in the still waters, a well-known photo spot.
History of Mount Taranaki
Before we get into how to climb the mountain, let’s look at the history of it. Approximately 125,000 years old, Mount Taranaki is Egmont National Park’s most recent volcanic peak. Its last eruption was around 1755 AD and is now considered dominant.
Local Māori believe Mounga (Mount) Taranaki once stood with the mountains of the central North Island. After a dispute over the maiden Pihanga, Taranaki fled his ancestral home, carving out the bed of the Whanganui River on his journey to the coast.
Egmont National Park became New Zealand’s second national park (after Tongariro) in 1900, and Mount Taranaki is situated in it. Settlers like Captain Cook named it Mount Egmont. However, the traditional Māori name of Mount Taranaki is now more widely used by locals and visitors.
The mountain itself stands at 2,518 metres tall and is considered one of the most symmetrical cones in the world. It is often compared to Mount Fuji in Japan. For Māori, Taranaki is highly sacred (tapu), this includes the water at the reflective tarn which is forbidden to be drunk or swam in. In 2017, Mount Taranaki was granted legal personhood in line with the Māori worldview, meaning it holds the same legal rights as a person.
What to Expect on the Mangorei Track
The Mangorei Track is part of the larger popular Pouakai Circuit, but many hikers tackle it as a shorter, standalone route to the tarn. It’s well-maintained, easily accessible, and suitable for moderately fit hikers. The reward? On a calm day, the sweeping views of Mount Taranaki and the mesmerizing reflection in the tarn are a photographer’s dream.
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect on the trek:
Mangorei Road Car Park
The trailhead is located at the end of Mangorei Road, just a 20-minute drive from New Plymouth. The car park is spacious, but it can fill up quickly on busy weekends, so try to arrive early in the day. From here, the Mangorei Track begins its steady ascent through lush native forest.
There is a toilet in the car park and to park it is also free of charge. You will find a map of the mountain that highlights different routes, hut locations and just general health and safety. Also, if you are travelling in a camper there is plenty of space to park, however, you can not camp at this spot! You follow the first bit of the track up for five minutes through a driveway until you reach the official start of the track.
Steady Forest Climb
The first section of the track is a gradual climb through dense, fern-filled native bush. You’ll be walking on well-formed gravel and wooden steps, around 4000 to be exact, but the shade from the forest canopy keeps it cool.
His climb is constant but manageable, with plenty of opportunities to stop and catch your breath while taking in the surrounding beauty. From the carpark to the reflective tarn can take 2.5-3 hours plus then your return. This can also vary depending on your level of fitness, conditions and how many breaks you take
Boardwalks Above the Bush Line
After around 1.5 to 2 hours of climbing, you’ll break through the bush line and be rewarded with expansive views of the region. The track continues along a series of boardwalks designed to protect the fragile alpine environment. From here, you can catch glimpses of Mount Taranaki peeking through the clouds.
The trail becomes more exposed at this point, and the weather can change quickly. Be sure to pack layers and prepare for wind and cooler temperatures. On clear days you can see Taranaki’s surrounding park and to the shoreline in New Plymouth.
Arriving at the Pouakai Hut
About 2.5 hours into the hike, you’ll reach the Pouakai Hut. This hut, part of the larger Pouakai Circuit, can accommodate up to 16 people. Many hikers stop here for a break, to have lunch, or even stay the night before continuing to the tarn at sunrise or sunset. If you plan to stay overnight, bookings are essential during peak season.
From the hut, it’s only a 15-20 minute walk to the hike’s highlight: the Pouakai Reflective Tarn.
The Pouakai Reflective Tarn
The final leg of the hike takes you to the Pouakai Reflective Tarn, perched on a plateau. On a clear day, the still waters of the tarn create a perfect reflection of Mount Taranaki. Photographers often flock here at sunrise or sunset for the best lighting and reflections.
The tarn itself is relatively small, but the surrounding views are nothing short of spectacular. You can sit, enjoy the scenery, and take in the peaceful atmosphere before retracing your steps back down the Mangorei Track. Alternatively, you can continue the route along the Pouakai circuit.
Essential Gear and Preparation
Climbing to the Pouakai Reflective Tarn may not require technical gear, but it’s important to come prepared for changing weather conditions and the physical demands of the track.
Before heading to the track, I highly recommend going to the Egmont visitor centre and speaking to the staff about climbing up the mountain. The visitor centre provides all the relevant information regarding the mountain and tracks, plus any route updates.
You can also see the upcoming forecast for the mountain at different elevations so you can be fully prepared. I also advise telling someone the route you’re taking, time, date, and where you are planning to stay once you have completed the walk. This will help your chances of being rescued if anything goes wrong on your ascent.
Clothing
- Hiking boots or sturdy shoes: The track can be muddy, especially after rain. It can also still be slippery in some places, especially at the start when you are in a dense forest.
- Waterproof jacket: Mount Taranaki’s weather is unpredictable, and rain showers can occur even in summer. A lightweight jacket and waterproof trousers are never wasted space in your rucksack when hiking.
- Warm layers: Temperatures drop at higher altitudes and in exposed areas. Even though it was sunny when we climbed, it was still considerably cold once exposed so make sure to layer up.
- Hat and gloves: These are especially recommended in cooler months or for early morning hikes. I also recommend sunglasses and suncream, as the New Zealand sun can be very strong.
Gear
- Water: There is no potable water on the track, so bring at least 2 litres per person, if not more.
- Snacks/lunch: The Pouakai Hut is a great place to stop for a snack or picnic before heading to the tarn. Pack high-energy snacks like breakfast bars and fruit!
- Camera: The views and reflections are worth capturing, but your phone camera will be just as good.
- Map or GPS: While the track is well-marked, it’s always good to have a map or GPS for extra confidence. Also, make sure to download Whatt3Words before you climb.
- Torch: Bring a torch or headlamp if you plan to stay at the Pouakai Hut or hiking near sunrise/sunset.
Best Time to Hike
The best time to hike the Mangorei Track is during the warmer months, from December to March when the weather is more stable and there’s less chance of snow on the trail. Clear skies are ideal for capturing the reflection of Mount Taranaki in the tarn.
That said, the track can be hiked year-round, but winter hiking requires additional preparation, including proper cold-weather gear and an awareness of icy conditions. We hiked during spring and had no problems with bad weather, however, a few days after we had left the region the whole mountain was hit with a blanket of snow so plan!
Where To Stay
There are numerous places to stay in the Mountain region. As previously mentioned, New Plymouth offers a range of hotels, hostels and Airbnb’s if that suits your travel style. Alternatively, if you are like me travelling in a van or camping there are also places to stay a little closer to the Mountain.
The day before we climbed the Mountain, we stayed at the Egmont Visitor Centre car park. This spot is for campervans or self-contained vehicles only, you cannot pitch a tent here. It is a freedom camp spot to facilities are limited. They have a drinkable water fountain and toilets that sometimes get locked.
We chose this spot because it is close to the starting point of the walk and we could monitor the mountain conditions. Following the walk, we decided to pay for a campsite as we wanted a hot shower and somewhere spacious to relax after the long day. We chose to spend a night at Durham Lake Holiday Park as it had amazing views of the mountain and was well-priced.
Again, New Zealand has a wide range of camping places to choose from. Ranging from basic freedom sites, DOC, and paid campgrounds.
Reflective Tarn Hike Reflections
The Mangorei Track to the Pouakai Reflective Tarn is one of the most rewarding hikes in the Mount Taranaki area. Whether you’re aiming to capture that picture-perfect reflection or just enjoy the peace and beauty of New Zealand’s backcountry, this hike offers an unforgettable experience.
With a little preparation, moderate fitness, and a love for the outdoors, you’ll find the journey to the tarn both challenging and incredibly satisfying. Remember to plan for changing weather, take your time on the ascent, and savour every view along the way.
FAQ’s
1. Is it hard to climb Mount Taranaki?
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