The mountain was enshrouded with cloud the afternoon I arrived in New Plymouth, but the next morning it was a beautiful sight entirely free of cloud. On impulse I took the turn to the north Egmont Visitor Centre. A nice drive past farmlands with cows then up through the rainforest before parking at the visitor centre which is at 936 metres altitude. My daughter and I walked to the Ambury monument (about 10 mins with fine views of the mountain) and then did the nature loop walk which took another 20 minutes and was easy to do with some fine views of the mountain and to the coast. Walking through the forest of gnarly old trees reminded me of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings description of Fanghorn's forest in Middle-earth.

Enjoyed a coffee at the Mountain Cafe, the highest cafe in the Taranaki region. Spent some time reading the interpretive displays and bought some souvenirs and postcards from the visitor centre. A great place to visit when it's fine and clear, with longer walks available, including the long and hard walk to the summit. There is a log book for walkers to register when they do longer walks located in the visitor centre. Weather on the mountain often changes quickly so all walkers should come prepared for changes in weather and have appropriate shoes and clothing.

By the time we left - late morning - the clouds had started moving in once again enshrouding the mountain. Would love to visit the region again and do some longer walks.

See the Department of Conservation website for North Egmont Tramping Tracks