Dover Route
WalkTaranakiOpen
- Grade
- Expert
- Walking time
- 3 hr 30 min
- Distance
- 4.8 km
- Dogs
- No dogs
Getting there
We have not checked a road end or car park for this place yet, so we do not give driving directions to it. Check how to get there before you go. Some routes cross private land and need the landowner's permission.
How to get there, on doc.govt.nzThe track begins on Carrington Road, near the junction with Dover Road, around half an hour’s drive from New Plymouth.
There is a small car parking area beside Katikara Stream bridge just before the junction with Dover Road – this is the Dover Route entrance.
The Pouākai Trig and Dover Route is also accessible from the Pouakai Circuit.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 39.23315° S, 173.99021° E
About this place
On a clear day this challenging route offers spectacular views of Taranaki Maunga and the coastline.
The route
Dover Route toPouākaiTrig
The Dover Route begins on Carrington Road, near the junction with Dover Road. The route climbs steeply, leaving the bush part way up and entering the sub-alpine zone. The route follows the exposed Dover Spur and becomes increasingly steep as it climbs. At 1400 m, you reach the Pouākai Trig. Return the same way or continue to Pouākai Hut (1 hour 30 minutes) or Holly Hut (2 hours). Be aware that Dover Route is an expert-graded track. Expect overgrown sections of the track, tree windfalls and some scrambling over rocky outcrops. The track is above the bushline and exposed to the weather. Good visibility is essential. If you are looking for a shorter or less technically demanding tramp in the same area, we recommend the Mangorei Track (which also leads to Pouākai Hut).
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Know before you go
Check the track is right for you
This is an expert route. It is 3 hr 30 min uphill and the track is rough and not regularly maintained. There are rocky outcrops with steep drop offs. It is best suited for people who are fit and experienced in backcountry New Zealand tramping (including navigating with a map and compass). If you are not sure it is the right trip for you, we recommend considering nearby Mangorei Track.
Expect extreme weather
Taranaki is famous for its fast-changing and extreme weather. Check the forecast before you go and be prepared for rain and cold, even in summer. This is an alpine area and it is common to have snow and ice on the higher parts of the track in winter. Contact the North Taranaki Visitor Centre for current track conditions.
Pack warm and waterproof clothing
Be ready for any weather by packing a waterproof jacket and plenty of warm layers. Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes (tramping boots are recommended). What to pack for a day trip What to pack for an overnight trip
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Nearby stops
Pukeiti Domain Freedom Campground
Taranaki • 3.6 km
Pukeiti Domain Freedom Campground is a campsite located in the Taranaki region. The provided records do not list specific facilities or additional details for…
Pouākai Hut
16 bunks • Taranaki • 4.1 km
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Holly Hut
Serviced • 32 bunks • Taranaki • 6 km
Holly Hut is a 32-bunk serviced hut located in the Taranaki region. It serves as a gateway to the spectacular features of Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki.
Heating • Mattresses • Lighting
Kahui Hut
Standard • 6 bunks • Taranaki • 7.1 km
Kahui Hut is a Department of Conservation hut located on the western slopes of Taranaki Maunga in the Taranaki region. It sits in a small clearing surrounded…
Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush • Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
Kaiauai Shelter
Taranaki • 8.2 km
Kaiauai Shelter is a hut located in the Taranaki region. The provided data does not include further details regarding its facilities or specific location.
Walks nearby
Puniho Track to Kahui Hut
Advanced • 3 hr to the hut • 7 km • 3.82 km away
Pouākai Crossing
Advanced • 7 hr 30 min - 9 hr 30 min • 19 km • 4.29 km away
Mangorei Track to Pouākai tarns
Intermediate • 2 hr 30 min one way • 5 km • 4.34 km away
Pouākai Circuit
Advanced • 2 - 3 days • 25 km • 6.73 km away
Maude Track to Mangakotukutuku Falls
Advanced • 1 hr 30 min one way • 2.8 km • 7.78 km away
Notes from people who have been
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Sources
- DOC Tracks (API) · CC BY 4.0Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai. Data sourced from the DOC Developer Portal (api.doc.govt.nz).
- DOC Tracks & Trails · CC BY 4.0Data sourced from the Department of Conservation (DOC), New Zealand.