Pouākai

This tramp is magnificent. The Pouākai Circuit is is normally a two to three day tramp with stops at Holly and Pouākai Huts for the three day tramp and Pouākai Hut for the two day tramp (note that the Pouākai Hut is closed until mid 2025 which will necessitate staying in Holly Hut regardless). The tramp breaks into three sort of distinct regions - the traverse around the side of Mount Taranaki, Ahukawakawa Swamp, and the lush (sometimes muddy) forest return.

Kev started this tramp from the North Egmont visitor centre, located at the end of Egmont Road, and headed along the Razorback Track followed by the Holly Hut track. Alternatively you could start at the Kaiauai car park and head up the Kōkōwai Track. This would remove about 2 km's of uphill road walking on the final day, instead replacing it with the similar amount of uphill walking on the first day.

Holly Hut is a large well appointed hut that looks out towards the Pouākai Range across the Ahukawakawa Swamp. the track up to this stage is very well maintained, but it gets even better (if that's possible) across the swamp with the entire way board walked.

There is then a steep climb up to the Pouākai Crossing, the Pouākai Hut and the Pouākai Tarn. This is where you will meet plenty of other people. A large number of day walkers come up the Mangorei Track - so expect some company.

The final section of the track heads out over Henry Peak. Up until this point the track is either board walked or has well constructed stairs, but as you descend the track reverts to a more traditional tramping track, with a bit of mud, as you traverse through some magnificent forest and a couple of swing bridges, before exiting back onto Egmont Road and your return to the North Egmont Visitor Centre car park.

More information can be found at https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-rec...

00:00 Introduction
01:26 The Razorback and Holly Hut Tracks
06:21 Holly Hut
07:29 Ahukawakawa Swamp
10:52 Pouākai Tarn

Music
Artist: Steffen Daum
Title: Awakening
Listen on YouTube:    • Steffen Daum - Awakening | Piano | Cinemat...