Egmont-Nationalpark
The Egmont National Park is located in the west of the North Island of New Zealand about half way from Wellington to Auckland. The park was placed under protection in 1900, making it the second oldest National Park in New Zealand. He is 33 543 hectares in size and is managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC, Te Atawhai papa ).
Geography
The area is dominated by the extinct volcano Mount Taranaki. In the northeast are still the remains of two older volcanoes: Kaitake and Pouakai. The National Park covers the entire area within 9.6 kilometers around the volcano. On satellite images, the area of the national park as sharply defined wooded circle in the surrounding areas is therefore visible. The altitude ranges from about 360-2518 m. The volcano itself is one of the most frequently climbed mountains in New Zealand own.
Natural site
The mountain is surrounded by a belt of rain forest, which is benefiting from the high rainfall. This and the surrounding farm fields contrast with the barren, high-alpine lichens on the mountain. From Captain James Cook of the mountain as Mount Egmont was called because he was known as Taranaki but for centuries by the Maori, was returned to him his old name again.
Fauna
As the only large forest in the area is the National Park of particular importance for bird life. 28 native and 15 introduced bird species have their habitat here. Among the endangered species include the Northern brown kiwi, the Farnsteiger and Saumschnabelente
Accessibility
The park is accessible from three sides:
- Manaia Road to Dawson Falls
- Egmont Road to North Egmont
- Pembroke Road to Stratford Plateau.