Egmont National Park cover 33,534 hectares. Here the volcano Taranaki (or Mt Egmont as it is also known) rules supreme standing tall above the surrounding landscape. Beside it are two volcanoes of an earlier era: Kaitake and Pouakai.
In good weather it is a challenging climb for the fit and well prepared. For those wanting a more relaxing experience there are beautiful walks through verdant forest to waterfalls, wetlands and excellent viewpoints. Standing as it does in isolation from other mountains it is one of the best parks from which to get an elevated view of another New Zealand - the rural heartland.
It was established as a national park in 1900, the second in New Zealand after its not too distant neighbour, Tongariro.
Alert/Important notice
Operation Egmont
As part of a planned possum control project, helicopters dropped 1080 cereal baits over the park on Sunday 20th February 2010. Tracks have been checked for baits and most should be bait free. If you do come across a bait on the path, please do not handle it. Warning signs will remain in place at all major road ends and track starts until such time as the baits are no longer considered toxic. For more information contact the North Egmont Visitor Centre.
Operation Egmont
Location
Egmont National Park can be found on the western coast of New Zealand's North Island. The nearest towns are New Plymouth, Inglewood, Stratford and Opunake.