After completing a fun-filled week 4, my attention shifted towards one of the toughest hikes I’ve done with my first multiple-day hike, the Pouakai Circuit in New Plymouth Egmont National Park. Being in the beautiful country of New Zealand, hiking has been of interest to me for quite some time, with day hikes never crossing my mind until now. 25km is a slog, to put yourself physically and mentally in that mindset of staying in a mountain region, with no electricity or close to your own vehicle, not knowing what the path before you beholds it can be quite daunting for a first-time hiker.
What to expect hiking Pouakai Circuit – New Plymouth, New Zealand
(The start of the Pouakai Circuit)
However, after researching multiple day hikes, talking with other seasoned hikers and putting my mindset into challenge mode, it helped in prepare myself to do something new and unique and even if I didn’t like it, at least I tried and I tell you what, I’m glad that I did because these hikes are worth it, as “Adventures are the best way to learn”.
The Hike itself is 2-3 days in duration though, depending on your fitness, time, and hiking leisure threshold, you can get it done in 2 days. The hike starts at Egmont National Park DOC, allowing you to start in either direction, though to Holly Hut it is 3-4 hours or to Pouakai Hut, it is 5-7 hours. For $25 a night, you can book your huts via the DOC website which I promise will make for one of the most unique and downright beautiful nights sleeps you’ll ever see.
(The beginning of what seems like unlimited stairs)
The highlight of this hike would be waking up early at Pouakai Hut to watch the sunrise over New Plymouth, up past Mt Taranaki. Reflection Lake, found 200 metres from the Doc Hut, has amazing scenes as the sunrise makes Mt Taranaki reflect in what turns out to be an incredible picture. This is something of a gift after exerting yourself through the slog you endure throughout this hike. Get up at around 5am or so and follow the signs, you will be rewarded for your early start with a truely unique view.
(The beautiful Mt Taranaki with Reflection Lake)
Challenges found on Pouakai Circuit
The most challenging aspects of the Pouakai Circuit is the number of steps you take, with at least 20,000 steps that stretch for long periods, either elevating or descending. You also have to elevate up, bend around and slide down dense forestry, twisting and turning sharply/climbing, etc, which puts pressure on your knees, legs and body. It can be muddy, hard to grip in some places, and is mostly uneven (no real periods of experiencing flatness for a long time) so be aware and read up before commencing.
Climbing up the road on the last day, I almost had to crawl to the finish line; I was exhausted. I have done a video explaining in depth some of the top 10 hikes/walks to do in New Zealand that you can click here to watch this hike listing is pretty high up on the list, so check it out for more insight. (The only flat part of this hike)
(The only flat part of this hike)
The hike was done, and I was out on my feet. I felt pure joy and a sense of accomplishment with a rush of excitement, which was the overall emotion I felt back at my car. It’s an incredible memory created; as I look back at having done a physically demanding hike like this. I recommend you go and witness this hike for yourselves.
This week was more relaxed as I made my way down to Wellington. On the way, I went to see the Putangiru Pinnacles, similar to the ones in Perth that I saw back in 2019, making for a nice walk to see something amazing. A 40-minute drive from Martinborough, the walking track is easy, with the entire walk taking about 2-4 hours to return and 3.6km in length. As a side note, this track is subjected to slips and may affect your ability to complete the walk, which it is currently experiencing a closure at the time of this post.
(Putangirua Pinnacles)
Over 120,000 years, rain floods and ancient sediment have layered on top of each other, eroding over time and concreting over each other, which has made this natural wonder possible, with these gloomy, large sharp rock formations making for an epic sight and place to get some pictures while being unique and a spot to check out if you get the chance. The Pinnacles is also a filming location for the Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King which Peter Jackson used for the ‘Paths of Deaths’ making you feel like you’re in an entirely other world. It is worth the trek to see and something that most tourists don’t do, so please check this area out.
Afterwards, I went to stay with my friend in Wellington, whom I met on Waiheke Island. This was lovely, as together we did a lot of activities in Wellington, like going to the Wellington Museum, walking around, and going to the beach. It made for a great weekend until I boarded my ferry for the South Island.
Week 5 was very challenging but also incredibly rewarding. Tune in next time for my first week on the South Island, with North now completed.
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