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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -39.27193, 174.09585. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- 1.2 km loop
- Walking time
- 1 hr
- Track grade
- Advanced
- 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
A short loop on a tramping track through dense forest coated in ferns and moss.
This DOC directory entry covers Ngatoro Loop Track 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: 1.2 km loop
- Walking time: 1 hr
- DOC grade: Advanced
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 and onto the Summit Track. The Ngatoro Loop Track starts 400 metres along from here.
The track descends into a valley through ‘goblin forest’ where ferns and moss hang from twisted tree trunks. It crosses a small stream and then steps return you to 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
The track is steep in places and has some large steps.
Stream crossing
There is an unbridged stream crossing which (although usually dry) can become impassable after heavy rain.
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.
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.
