Discovering the Taranaki Region

One of the areas of New Zealand’s North Island we had never visited on our two previous trips was the western region of Taranaki, dominated by the impressive Mount Taranaki, also known as Mount Egmont.

Mount Taranaki is famous for its near–perfect cone shape. On clear days, it’s so symmetrical that people sometimes mistake photos of it for Mount Fuji in Japan. It makes for spectacular photos, but we were a tad unlucky — the cone-shaped summit was obscured by clouds most of the time.

A Perfectly Circular National Park

Egmont National Park is almost a perfect circle, extending about 9 km from the summit in all directions — a shape rarely seen in national parks worldwide. It was a strange sensation driving toward the park through flat agricultural land and then, suddenly, like crossing an invisible boundary, being enveloped by native trees and dense bush that seemed to close in around the road as we climbed the mountain.

Setting Off from Dawson Falls

We drove up to the car park at the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre, packed snacks, laced up our hiking shoes, and set off uphill toward Wilkies Pools. We were alone for most of the hike, and it felt like pure magic walking through the enchanted forest. Lichen hung from the trees, and the whole place felt straight out of a Tolkien landscape.

Wilkies Pools: The Journey Is the Highlight

The views along the way were spectacular, and while the pools themselves were nice, the walk was actually better than the destination. The forest, the solitude, and the ever-changing scenery were the real highlights.

The walk on the southern side of the loop was easy and relatively flat, with well-maintained paths. The northern descent was more challenging, following a more basic track with mud, stones, and a creek crossing, adding a bit of adventure to the hike.

Visiting Dawson Falls

Back at the car park, we took the short walk down to Dawson Falls, climbing down the stairs to the base of the waterfall. It was very spectacular indeed. After taking it all in, we followed the short track back up to the car park.

Final Thoughts on Hiking Mount Taranaki

Mount Taranaki offers plenty of epic hikes. We probably chose one of the easier options, but it was still incredibly rewarding. The forest alone made the experience unforgettable — truly magical.

Cool Facts About Mount Taranaki

Two official names

The mountain’s full legal name is Mount Taranaki / Mount Egmont, reflecting both its Māori name and the name given by Captain James Cook in 1770.

A dormant volcano

Mount Taranaki last erupted around 1755. Scientists classify it as dormant, meaning it could erupt again in the future.

Legal recognition

In 2017, the surrounding land, Te Papakura o Taranaki, was given legal recognition that reflects the Māori worldview, treating the mountain as an ancestor rather than just a physical feature.

A movie star mountain

Mount Taranaki has stood in for Mount Fuji in several films, including The Last Samurai.

Sacred in Māori culture

In Māori tradition, Taranaki is an ancestor. One legend tells how the mountain moved west after losing a battle for love, carving the Whanganui River in the process.