Maketawa Circuit @ Toptracks.info

DoC recommended times and track type:

Where is it? Leave from the bottom level of the North Egmont Visitor Centre car park. Strongly recommend starting here, and walking clockwise, you finish then walking down the Translator Road. Walking up this road could severely reduce the enjoyment gained from this walk, and could result in grizzly walkers at some of the prettier and more interesting bush sections at the visitor centre end of the track. Begin from the bottom car park, descending then turning right onto the track to the Maketawa Hut. The track rises and falls over two ridges and crossing two streams that are usually dry. There are some great views over North Taranaki at one spot. The forest has an amazing amount of undergrowth, testament to an effective predator control programme. Before the Makatawa Hut the mosses hanging from the trees produce the ‘goblin forest’ effect.
The Maketawa Hut is in excellent condition, has a gas fireplace, and brand new toilet. The deck out the front has fantastic views on which you can relax and enjoy. The hut is half way. The track rises from the hut to the bottom of the Puffer on the Translator road. It is quite steep, but has steps. Be prepared for it, take your time, and you will find this section is quickly accomplished. Good level of satisfaction when done. From here turn right and head down the gravel road, which takes you back to the Visitor Centre. You are unlikely to meet any traffic other than fellow trampers. Take care though as it is steep.
Features Impressive natural landscaping! Goblin Forest. Maketawa Hut. Puffer Track Surface Varies from wide smooth gravel, to attempts at board walks (with varying degrees of success), to seemingly impassable overgrown slips, stream crossings, steps, mud. Accessibility Middle primary children and above Dangers This should be a safe experience. Additional Notes: There are no specific activities for this walk, but the Ngatoro ones fit nicely. See the Department of Conservation web site PDF file called Egmont National Park. Use the Ngatoro pupil activities at the end of this, see below. Ngatoro Loop (pp 4, activities 9,10,11,12,13) http://www.doc.govt.nz/getting-involved/for-teachers/field-trip-resources/ field-trips-by-region/wanganui/egmont-national-park/teaching-resource/
This information gathered while on site in 2004.

Where is it?

Leave from the bottom level of the North Egmont Visitor Centre car park. Strongly recommend starting here, and walking clockwise, you finish then walking down the Translator Road. Walking up this road could severely reduce the enjoyment gained from this walk, and could result in grizzly walkers at some of the prettier and more interesting bush sections at the visitor centre end of the track.

Begin from the bottom car park, descending then turning right onto the track to the Maketawa Hut. The track rises and falls over two ridges and crossing two streams that are usually dry. There are some great views over North Taranaki at one spot.

The forest has an amazing amount of undergrowth, testament to an effective predator control programme. Before the Makatawa Hut the mosses hanging from the trees produce the ‘goblin forest’ effect.

The Maketawa Hut is in excellent condition, has a gas fireplace, and brand new toilet. The deck out the front has fantastic views on which you can relax and enjoy. The hut is half way.

The track rises from the hut to the bottom of the Puffer on the Translator road. It is quite steep, but has steps. Be prepared for it, take your time, and you will find this section is quickly accomplished. Good level of satisfaction when done.

From here turn right and head down the gravel road, which takes you back to the Visitor Centre. You are unlikely to meet any traffic other than fellow trampers. Take care though as it is steep.


Maketawa Circuit
DoC recommended times and track type:
3-4 hours
tramping track
This three to four hour circuit begins and ends at North Egmont Visitor Centre. It heads across to the 16 bed Makatawa hut and then up to the Translator Road, and back to the Visitor Centre. It is, of course, possible to walk it in the opposite direction. This circuit has an appropriate level of challenge for children, middle primary and above.