Pouakai Tarn (and hut)

Million-dollar views and its own pond! Pouakai hut is undoubtedly the most visited hut in Egmont National Park, courtesy of the photogenic Pouakai tarn being a short stroll away.

Irrespective of your route, Pouakai Tarn and Pouakai Hut are a short distance from each other, and both are worth the visit. The track then continues to the Mangorei Road end (below)

Getting there:

The Pouakai crossing, Starting at North Egmont and ending at Mangorei Road end, is a full day walk with transport connections needed.
Beginning with a constant 90-minute climb from North Egmont visitors centre before the track flattens as it makes its way over boomerang slip towards the Holly Hut turn-off. Enjoy spectacular views as you descend down into the Aspagnum swamp and climb back out the other side towards the Pouaki hut. A (30-minute return) side trip will get you to the tarn.

The Pouakai Circuit, beginning and ending at North Egmont, is a 2-3 day tramp. As above, from the tarn, the track continues onto the older doc spec boardwalk before climbing the many ladders of Henry Peak. From here, the trail slowly deteriorates into a tramping track.

Mangorei Road end. (approx 2.5 hours each way). From the end of the gravel access road, the boardwalk begins and remains a constant companion, as too does the elevation gain, until reaching Pouakai Hut.

Wildlife: 1/2
Scenic: 1
History / Points of Interest: 1
Quiet / Relaxed: 1/2
Visit again: 1
Smiles per Hour rating: 4

More details on the options, current trail alerts and how to prepare, see the Department of Conservation website.