Pouakai Hut, Egmont National Park, Taranaki, New Zealand
Posted by: 
Phronimos
S 39° 14.119 E 174° 02.246
60H E 244294 N 5652925
After a 2.5 hour steady uphill hike up Mangorei Track from the Mangorei Road end one arrives at the 16 bunk Pouakai Hut at 3,900 feet.
Waymark Code: WMACH0
Location: North Island, New Zealand
Date Posted: 12/25/2010
Views: 4
This is a Department of Conservation (DOC) serviced 16-bunk hut which has mattresses, (roof tank) water supply, toilet, hand washing facilities and pot belly stove heating with fuel (wood & coal) available. In summer there is usually a hut warden.
Fees: A Backcountry Hut Pass or Hut Tickets are required.
$15.30 adult/night,
$5.00 youth/night,
children are free.
This is a good short day tramp, or you can stay over night at Pouakai Hut, and thereby a great hut to take children, as there is the adventure of the isolated alpine hut, great views from the hut or Pouakai Plateau 5 minutes further on from the hut.
The best method of reaching Pouakai Hut is via Mangorei Track from Mangorei Road. See (
visit link)
This is classified as a Tramping Track, in which you can expect:
* a challenging day or multi-day tramping/hiking
* the track is mostly unformed with rough and/or muddy sections (although the track is being boardwalked and stepped from the hut end down to Mangorei Road)
* suitable for people with good fitness. And DOC recommend moderate to high level backcountry (remote areas) skills and experience, including navigation and survival skills required - although not really necessary for just this track, road-end to hut)
* track has markers, poles or rock cairns. While you may expect unbridged stream and river crossings, THIS IS NOT THE CASE ON THIS TRACK.
* Tramping/hiking boots are recommended by DOC, but sturdy sandshoes are suitable for this track
Time: 4 - 5 hr return
Getting there
The track begins at the end of Mangorei Road, New Plymouth.
Description
From the car parking area walk up the driveway, turning left at the water tank and heading into the bush. Often muddy in the lower reaches, the track climbs steadily to the 16 bunk Pouakai Hut. Walk five minutes past the hut for great views down over Ahukawakawa Swamp.