Egmont Parkmap

Edition 3 2003   The dormant volcano Mt Taranaki or Mt Egmont (today, both names are in use) stands on the western coast of the North Island, blessing the landscape of the Taranaki province with its mana. It does not, however, stand alone. Two volcanoes of an earlier era, Kaitake and Pouakai, also lie within the park's boundary. Kaitake the oldest and most eroded volcano is relatively close to the sea where the milder coastal climate encourages the growth of plants which would not otherwise thrive on Mt Taranaki's or Mt Egmont's higher, colder altitudes.   The circular boundary of the Park lies at an average altitude of some 360m above mean sea level. With increasing altitude, climatic conditions become more severe and vegetation patterns reflect this. Large forest trees give way to small leathery shrubs which in turn give way to even smaller tussocks and herbs until finally, near the summit of Mt Taranaki or Mt Egmont, only minute mosses and lichens can survive.