The Pouakai Trig via Dover Track is an exposed ridge hike in Taranaki. This little known hike in Egmont National Park is a challenging track to Pouakai Trig.
I think that the views from the Pouakai Range are some of the best mountain views in the Taranaki area. I love exploring the upper tussock clad slopes that have views of Mt. Taranaki and out to the Tasman Sea. There are two ways to the peak, this challenging one or this easier route to the trig that leads off the Pouakai Crossing. This is a perfect hike for fit people up for a challenge and no crowds.
Pouakai Summit Via Dover Track Highlights And Logistics
Highlights – Narrow rocky ridge route, mountain views, no crowds.
Location – Pouakai Range of Egmont National Park in Taranaki Region of North Island.
Length Of Walk – 9.5 km return
Difficulty – Difficult
Elevation Gain – About 1,000 m
About The Pouakai Trig Via Dover Track Route
This walk begins in the lower bush clad slopes of the Pouakai Range. The trailhead is located at a pull out on Carrington Road, just past the Katikara Stream and near the top of Dover Road. This is a bit past Pukeiti gardens. There is a green and yellow DOC sign marking the trail, but it’s easy to miss unless you are looking for it.
Once you start say goodbye to the sun because you will be in the bush for the first hour and a half. This entire trail is a steep climb, which begins straight away.
Keep plodding uphill because the views will be worth it. Soon the trees will start growing shorter and then you’ll pop out of the bush and be greeted with your first great views. You will see the narrow, rocky ridge above you that is the Dover Track route.
The next hour to hour and a half is a super fun walk along that narrow ridge. The trail slowly makes its way up over tussock, and along and through rocks. This whole section is exposed so wouldn’t be fun in the wind or bad weather, but is glorious on a nice day.
Finally, as you climb the last bit to the trig you will get a great view of Mt. Taranaki over the tussock covered slopes of the Pouakai Range. From Pouakai Trig you’ll have 360 degree views out and around you to the coast. The views are sweet and make the uphill slog well worth the effort!
My Insider Tips For Exploring Pouakai Trig Via Dover Track
Don’t be deceived by the first couple hundred meters. The track starts off very bad and overgrown, but it will get better. Keep going and you will find yourself in the bush on a better trail.
You can avoid making this an out and back hike if you have two cars. Park one car at the end of Mangorei Road and then return to the trailhead for this walk to start. Once you get to the trig via Dover Track just keep going on towards Pouakai Hut. From there continue down to Mangorei Road along the Pouakai Tarns walk and you have done a nice crossing of the Pouakai Range.