The track to Holly Hut begins on the Veronica Loop Track, starting at North Egmont. Follow the boardwalk past the Camphouse. From here the track leads past Ambury Monument and climbs a long series of steps. You will pass a track junction – take the track signposted towards Holly Hut.

Ten minutes past the junction, you will come to a lookout. This is the start of the alpine section of the track, so look at the weather and make sure you have the gear for the conditions. If you aren’t well-equipped enough and/or if the weather is so bad that you cannot see the maunga, then we recommend returning down the Veronica Loop Track and trying the track another day.

From the lookout, the track climbs then sidles along the side of Taranaki. The track passes the towering lava columns of the Dieffenbach Cliffs and crosses the Boomerang Slip (watch for rockfall signs and follow their instructions).

After crossing the slip, the track descends and reaches a track junction with Kōkōwai Track. If you are walking in the other direction (from Holly Hut to North Egmont), this is a key decision-point: use it to assess the weather and decide whether to attempt the alpine section of the track. If conditions aren’t favourable, you can return to Holly Hut or take Kōkōwai Track to Egmont Road.

Once past the Kōkōwai Track turnoff, the track gradually descends to the Ahukawakawa Track junction. Turn left for a 5 minute walk to Holly Hut. Minarapa Stream just prior to the hut can be impassable after heavy rain.

There are several springs along the Holly Hut Track. These are significant to iwi, hapū and whanau, so please treat them with respect and do not wash in them or walk through the springs.

Start from the Egmont National Park Visitor Centre in North Egmont.

Be prepared for changeable weather

Weather on the mountain changes rapidly – you must be well prepared with suitable clothing and equipment for all weather and conditions.

Snow, high rainfall and storm damage can make tracks impassable – many rivers and streams are unbridged.

Check the Egmont National Park weather forecast before you go.

Expect challenging track conditions

The track is steep, narrow in sections with big drop offs. The Minirapa Stream just prior to the hut is unbridged - crossing may not be possible after heavy rain.

Take care crossing the active Boomerang Slip - crossing one person at a time is recommended.

The upper part of this route is very exposed and not recommended for winter use unless you are equipped with an ice axe and crampons.

Be aware of rockfall risks

There are several rockfall zones on the Pouakai Circuit (including Boomerang Slip). Follow instructions on signage and cross these without stopping, one person at a time.

This track is much more difficult in winter

This is track is far more challenging in winter. You will need an ice axe, crampons, snow gaiters and goggles, along with the skills to use them.

If there is snow on Taranaki, check the avalanche advisory and only tramp the track if you have the gear (avalanche transceiver, probe and snow shovel) and skills to manage the avalanche risk.

Take care when crossing streams

The track crosses several dry stream beds, two of them just before Holly Hut. These can rise quickly during heavy rain and may not be safe to cross. Assess them carefully before crossing: if you have any doubt about whether you can cross safely, wait for the water levels to drop. This often happens quickly.