Egmont National Park

Egmont National Park is a nature reserve on New Zealand's North Island that encompasses three volcanic cones - Mount Taranaki, Pouakai, and Kaitake. Dense rainforests cover the slopes of these peaks and form the core of the landscape.

The area gained protection status as a forest reserve in 1881 and became New Zealand's second national park in 1900. This early recognition made it a pioneer in the country's conservation efforts.

The summit of Mount Taranaki holds deep spiritual meaning for the local Maori people within their traditional beliefs. This sacred connection shapes how visitors and residents experience and respect the landscape today.

The park features more than 300 kilometers of hiking trails, ranging from short walks to multi-day routes across varied terrain. Visitors should prepare for changing weather conditions and choose trails that match their ability level.

The forest ecosystem here stands out for lacking beech trees entirely while supporting half of New Zealand's indigenous fish species. This unusual biological composition makes it a remarkable place for natural science.