Taranaki Falls Circuit Upper Plateau Route
Volcanic plateau circuit around perfect cone
Mount Taranaki’s upper reaches hide a network of 4WD tracks that most visitors never see, threading through goblin forest and alpine scrub above the treeline. This circuit starts from the Plateau Road carpark and loops through Department of Conservation access routes originally cut for avalanche control and hut maintenance. The track crosses multiple streams flowing off Taranaki’s flanks, including technical fords where Stony River and its tributaries have carved deep channels through volcanic debris. Views stretch across Taranaki’s perfect cone to the distant peaks of Tongariro National Park.
Moderate to difficult depending on conditions, with creek crossings that can become impassable during Taranaki’s frequent weather changes. High-clearance 4WD essential, with recovery gear recommended for the muddy sections that characterize this volcanic terrain. Best attempted during dry summer months (December-March) when tracks aren’t waterlogged. No permits required but respect DOC closures during nesting season. Pack warm gear – weather changes fast on Taranaki’s exposed slopes. It’s a rare chance to drive high on New Zealand’s most photogenic peak and experience the mountain’s raw volcanic character up close.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | High Altitude, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 32 mi / 51.5 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4950 ft |
| Best season | December-March |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Stratford, Taranaki |
| Land manager | Department of Conservation |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | doc.govt.nz |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
What's the minimum rig to run this trail without getting into trouble?
You need a high-clearance 4WD — not negotiable. A lifted Hilux, Land Cruiser, or equivalent is ideal. A standard AWV crossover will get stuck or damaged on the technical stream crossings and uneven volcanic terrain.
When is this trail actually driveable and what happens if you go outside that window?
December through March is your window. Outside of summer, the upper plateau gets snow, ice, and unpredictable alpine storms that make sections impassable and genuinely dangerous. DOC can also close access routes into Egmont National Park during severe weather — check before you go.
Do you need a permit to drive this route through Egmont National Park?
No permit is required to drive the route, but you are operating within Egmont National Park under Department of Conservation jurisdiction — stick to legal tracks and follow all DOC rules. Dispersed camping is permitted in designated areas; don't freelance a campsite in sensitive alpine zones.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The stream crossings through the native bush sections are where most people have problems — water depth and flow vary significantly after rain, and the volcanic rock substrate makes for slippery, unpredictable footing. At 2,800 ft of elevation gain over 32 miles, you're also dealing with sustained climbing on loose and mixed surfaces with exposure near the upper plateau.
How far is the nearest fuel stop and is cell service reliable enough to call for help if something goes wrong?
Stratford is your nearest town for fuel — sort that before you head out, because there's nothing on the plateau. Cell service is spotty at best and non-existent in the bush and upper sections, so carry a PLB or satellite communicator; don't count on your phone to bail you out.
Trail track
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