Hiking to the Pouakai Tarns is a must do on New Zealand’s North Island. It had been on our radar for a while and finally we got round to doing it and honestly it was one of our favourite hikes in NZ. The track is super easy to follow as there is a very sturdy and well-maintained boardwalk en route and the view from the tarns is pretty phenomenal.
Mount Taranaki is perfectly cone shaped and is known for its resemblance to Japan’s Mt Fuji. So much so, Taranaki provided the backdrop for the Last Samurai film in 2003. We stayed in New Plymouth for a few days and drove into Egmont National Park to do the hike. But there are a couple of options for reaching the epic reflection view point at the Pouakai Tarns, as they are actually part of the Pouakai Circuit which is an advanced 2-3 day tramping track that loops around Mount Taranaki. Though, you do not have to hike the full circuit to reach the tarns. Instead, you can do what we did and walk from the car park on Mangorei Road (Mangorei Track Trailhead).
The Quickest Way to Visit the Pouakai Tarns:
Park at the Mangorei Road Car Park, located about 20 minutes from the centre of New Plymouth.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) suggests allowing 2 hours to get to Pouakai Hut and from there, another 30 minutes to reach the tarns, so allow around 4-6 hours return. We made it up to the tarns in just under 1h40 and back down in just over an hour.
The track is approximately 6kms (3.7 miles) long with around 700 meters (2,297 feet) of elevation gain and you will go out and back on the same track.
When to go:
You can do this hike year-round, but always check the weather conditions as the weather changes unbelievably fast in the national park. In the summer the conditions are much easier for hiking but the winter will leave Taranaki beautifully snow capped.
Weather wise you will want a fine day with as little wind as possible. This was our second attempt to see Mt Taranaki and we ended up waiting until our last day in New Plymouth which was the best weather of our four days. Basically, the calmer and sunnier the weather the better the mirror reflection in the tarns. Patience is key as if you head up to the tarns on a cloudy day it’s unlikely you will see the mountain at all let alone a reflection. I’d recommend checking MetService and Windy for accurate weather forecasts on the day.
The route is pretty popular so head up there as early as possible. We started the track at 7am and were the only people up there for a good 20 minutes (but with the pandemic and NZ border closure we can not speak for ‘normal’ tourist season).
Clothing & What to Pack:
We did the walk in our walking boots but if the weather has been dry then you could definitely manage the track in trainers. If there has been rain recently though be aware that in places the track can be pretty muddy.
Carry enough water and a snack if you need it, there is water at the Pouakai Hut which is at the top of the trail but there is a boil before use notice.
As I said the route is pretty easy but the weather is changeable and even on a sunny day in NZ summer it was chilly at the top, so carry something appropriate for that.
The track is pretty enclosed in the forest throughout, but once you arrive at the hut there is little shade so bring SPF and a hat.
Additionally, if you do have the time, I would highly recommend staying in the Pouakai Hut, we didn’t manage to book a spot in time but if you do get the chance and are able to book in advance then go for it. You will need to book a bunk via the DOC website at $15 per night per adult, and $7.50 per child. We had a nosy in the hut when we were up there, there are 16 bunk beds with just mattresses so you will need to pack a sleeping bag and pillow. The hut also has toilets and a kitchen area but does not have gas or cooking equipment so if you are staying you will need to pack your own.
Hopefully that helps you organise your trip to visit the Pouakai Tarns and Mount Taranaki and if there is anything else, then feel free to drop me a message/email or just comment below!
If you are planning a trip to NZ and looking for more inspo of things to do then check out this post about taking a Milford Sound Scenice Flight with Glenorchy Air or maybe your hoping to see the Lupins around the Mackenzie Region.
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