Visitors planning a trip up the mountain this summer will need to plan ahead so they can enjoy their day out without traffic frustration.

NPDC is putting signs on Egmont Road with reminders that car parking is limited at the top car park.

“We’re anticipating this summer to be even more challenging than in previous years,” says NPDC Manager Delivery, Sustainability and Infrastructure Jessica Stokes.

“There are always more cars than available parking spaces at the top of Egmont Road in summer but due to construction of the new visitor centre, there’ll be fewer parking spaces than usual this season.

“Even on an ordinary sunny summer’s day, particularly on weekends, the car park would be full by dawn.”

NPDC encourages people to look at other park entrances this season, such as the Mangorei Track at the top of Mangorei Road, visiting the swingbridge from the Pembroke Road car park, or Dawson Falls at the top of Manaia Road.

“If you can’t get up the mountain, remember that there are so many other outdoor areas to explore, such as Lake Mangamahoe, the Meeting of the Waters, Pukeiti Gardens and Lucy’s Gully. Taranaki has heaps of outdoor options to enjoy,” says Jess.

To assist with the increased demand on car parking and the challenges of this site, Department of Conservation (DOC) are implementing a freedom camping ban at the top of Egmont Road. DOC will continue to provide for freedom campers on Taranaki Maunga but is prohibiting freedom camping in North Taranaki Visitor Centre car parks from this Friday (19 December).

NPDC’s signs on Egmont Road will be in place from this Friday until early February.

At a glance:

• NPDC maintains 1,309km of roads, 960km (73 per cent) of which are rural.
• NPDC manages 1,600ha of park and reserve land and 82km of walkways.
• The Council has started building a 145-space car park next to the Egmont Road entrance to Te Papakura o Taranaki, which will open in April next year (weather permitting).

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