Ngatoro – Waiwhakaiho Loop Track
Alerts
Avalanche NZ
Check Avalanche NZ for the full avalanche forecast before you go.
Sorry, we can't show Avalanche NZ forecasts or alerts on this site. Avalanche NZ doesn't permit it.
NIWA weather risks
NIWA's Parks Weather site lists daily weather risks for the forecast point below.
Sorry, we can't show NIWA weather or alerts on this site. NIWA doesn't permit paid apps to do this.
Forecast point: North Taranaki VC (960m)
Check the DOC website for current alerts and conditions before you go. This site gets current alert info from DOC, but is not an official source of information.
This challenging tramp heads through some of the last remnants of Taranaki lowland forest.
Elevation
Cover mapped summer 2023/24.
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.
Weather
Forecast at the start of the track