Ngatoro – Waiwhakaiho Loop Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

This challenging tramp heads through some of the last remnants of Taranaki lowland forest.

This DOC directory entry covers Ngatoro – Waiwhakaiho 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: 10 km loop
• Walking time: 6-7 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

Starting from the visitor centre, follow the Connett Loop Track and then descend the Ngatoro Loop Track. The track eventually crosses the unbridged Waiongana Stream before continuing to the Mangaoraka Picnic Area.

From the picnic area, cross the road and continue on the Mangaoraka Loop Track to the junction with the Waiwhakaiho Route. Turn uphill (left) following the track along the edge of the Waiwhakaiho gorge.

At the Kaiauai Track junction turn left toward Egmont Road, continuing to reach the junction with the Ram Track. The Ram Track heads uphill, crossing a few small unbridged streams before reaching the Veronica Loop Track. Follow the signs from here back 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 Ngatoro Track is overgrown in places and navigation may be difficult.

There are toilets and picnic tables at the Mangaoraka Picnic Area.

Stream crossing

There are unbridged stream crossings which may 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.

Track conditions

This track has overgrown sections and can be hard to navigate. There may be fallen trees.

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.