By Outdoor Next Editorial standards
On this page
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: -39.30859, 174.11635. 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
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 1 hr 30 min
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- East Egmont area
- 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
This walk is a good introduction to the mountain environment and climbs up through some fine examples of pahautea (mountain cedar).
This DOC directory entry covers Patea Track in Taranaki, within East Egmont area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time: 1 hr 30 min
- DOC grade: Easy
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
Begin on the track below the Ngāti Ruanui Stratford Mountain House, turning left at the first junction. Turn right at the next junction on the south bank of the Patea Stream. The track winds uphill through montane forest with large pahautea (mountain cedar).
The track then crosses Pembroke Road above the Ngāti Ruanui Stratford Mountain House and returns downhill following the Te Popo Stream. Turn right at the next junction to return to the car park.
Getting there
Access to the east side of Mount Taranaki is via Pembroke Road which leads directly to the park boundary from the northern end of Stratford township.
The road climbs through popdocarp/broadleaf forest and then the montane forest, reaching the accommodation centre of the Ngāti Ruanui Stratford Mountain House. The road winds its way another 3 km to the road end car park at The Plateau (1172 m) where there are superb views of the surrounding countryside.
Know before you go
Be ready for changeable weather
Taranaki Maunga has changeable and unpredictable weather. Check the forecast and carry enough clothing and equipment to ensure you are able to cope with any type of weather, at any time of the year.
Snow, high rainfall and storm damage can make tracks impassable.
Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki weather forecast – NIWA website
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.
