Last Updated: 13th Oct 2024
Pouakai Crossing
Submitted by Chris Wheatley
Last Updated: 13th Oct 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 31 ?
Gnarl Factor: 51 ?
18.0km
915m
1000m
1400m
Last Updated: 13th Oct 2024
Submitted by Chris Wheatley
Last Updated: 13th Oct 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 31 ?
Gnarl Factor: 51 ?
18.0km
915m
1000m
1400m
Front country - easily accessible
Point to Point (one way)
Undulating, some big hills
Native bush
Open tussock/grasslands
Open ridges/tops
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +13.7%
Average Downhill Gradient: -12.2%
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4:00
Slow
3:15
Moderate
2:30
Fast
This is the very popular Pouakai Crossing track. The track takes you up a ridge from North Egmont Visitors Centre to the around the mountain track heading west towards Holly Hut. If needed the hut is a couple of minutes off the track where you can stop for a water refill. The track then crosses the Ahukawakawa Swamp, separating the main mountain peak from the Pouakai Ranges, before climbing up to the ridge tops of the Pouakais. Next you follow the track to Pouakai Hut before descending down to the road end at Mangorei Rd.
Crossing the swamp with awesome views back at Mt Taranaki
If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.
Lots of parking there. The crossing is a point to point track so you will need to arrange a drop off or pick up at either end. Taranaki Mountain Shuttles can do this.
29 km
30 minutes
No
No
Easy.
The track is very well signposted and a popular walk for trampers
Generally good.
Waterproof leggings, Thermal leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
Available at the huts.
During winter the tops are prone to snow cover
Be careful crossing Boomerang slip, advised to cross one at a time as its pretty unstable and prone to rocks being knocked down
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Pouakai Crossing
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Up until about 18km this might have been one of my favourite runs ever. Helped by glorious views and blue skies it was a phenomenal morning. Some very runnable tracks and some more technical ones but that's all part of the fun. I struggled abit to get going once dropping into the forest due to all the roots and feeling very thirsty ( pack more water kids) I'd do it again in a heartbeat
December 29, 2022
We (The Deadbeat Dadz - @dbdnz2108) - did this the last day of June 2019. Luckily the weather had been good the week leading up to it, so the track was fairly good - a few muddy patches, but nothing too bad.Awesome track. The 1st half (from North Egmont visitors to Henrys peak) is a lot more rugged than the 2nd half. A lot of steep climbing, and dodging tree roots. The second half (Henrys Peak to Mangorei Rd carpark) is pretty much all boardwalk, and all down hill.3hr 20min for a couple 100kg plus guys trying to run it. Would definitely recommend it. Try pick a good day as there are some great pics to be had.
July 1, 2019
KR
I did this in May and it was still glorious with beautiful blue skies for parts and cloudy for parts. was really muddy, ankle deep for some portions. enjoyed this walk.
May 2, 2018
These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.
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