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Key facts
- Distance
- 380 m one way
- Walking time
- 10 min
- Track grade
- Easiest
- Location
- North Egmont area / Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
Walk to the Ambury Monument, a memorial to climber Arthur Ambury who gave his life in 1918 in a heroic attempt to save his climbing partner.
This DOC directory entry covers Ambury Monument Walk in Taranaki, within North Egmont area / Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 380 m one way
- Walking time: 10 min
- DOC grade: Easiest
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
From the visitor centre, follow the boardwalk to the viewing platform past the Camphouse. A track from here leads to the Ambury Monument, a memorial to climber Arthur Ambury who gave his life on 3 June 1918 in a heroic attempt to save William Edwin Gourlay who had slipped on ice. Both died when they fell over the bluff.
There is a grassy picnic spot by the monument with views of Taranaki Maunga.
Return the same way or follow the Nature Walk to exit just below the visitor centre.
Getting there
The track starts at the North Taranaki Visitor Centre.
To get there, head 13 km south from New Plymouth to Egmont Village. Turn off State Highway 3 on to Egmont Road and follow it for 16 km to the end. The visitor centre is signposted from the junction.
Know before you go
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 Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki weather forecast before you go.
History and culture
Ambury Monument
The monument commemorates the bravery of Arthur Hamilton Ambury, who died in June 1918 trying to save the life of William Gourlay. William Gourlay had slipped on ice while climbing, and the pair died when they fell over a bluff on the maunga when Arthur Ambury was attempting the rescue.
Unveiled on Good Friday, 18 April 1919, the stone obelisk was built of locally-sourced stone, set on a square base incorporating stone seats on each side. It includes a plaque noting Mr Ambury’s heroic effort, which earned him a posthumous Albert Medal, presented to his widow Annie a year later by then–Governor General Arthur Foljambe.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
