The Magical Goblin Forest on Mt Taranaki
High on the southeastern slopes of Mount Taranaki in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki, the Goblin Forest surrounds walkers with an almost mythical atmosphere. Easily accessible from Dawson Falls and East Egmont, this lush, high-altitude rainforest is especially striking for its twisted kāmahi trees cloaked in dense mosses and epiphytes, creating one of New Zealand’s most otherworldly walking environments.
Gnarled Kāmahi and Hanging Lichen
Unlike anywhere else on the maunga, the Goblin Forest is defined by its tangled kāmahi trees, which twist into wild shapes over centuries of slow growth. In this montane rainforest, the trees often begin life from fallen trunks, then take over completely, a process that leads to crooked, sculptural forms that have inspired the forest’s nickname. Covered in thick layers of mosses, lichens, and liverworts, the branches resemble long green beards or reaching hands.
These forest dynamics have been shaped by the area's volcanic soils, frequent mist, and high rainfall. Combined, these conditions allow for an exceptional density of epiphytes, plants that grow on other plants, which give the forest a layered, textured appearance. In places, the light barely reaches the ground through the canopy of moss-covered branches.
Walking Through a Living Gallery
Two track systems allow you to step directly into this unique forest environment: The loops that connect Dawson Falls Track, the Ridge Loop Track and Wilkies Falls; and the Kamahi Loop and Enchanted Track. These walks range from 20 minutes to 90 minutes, and provide immediate immersion in goblin trees and surrounding flora. They are also cross-connected for longer loop walks.
The Kamahi Loop Track is the easiest access. Starting from East Egmont, this shorter 600 m circuit captures the essence of the Goblin Forest in under 20 minutes. All these tracks are well-maintained and suitable for most fitness levels, though the terrain can be slippery in wet weather. The broader Dawson Falls walking area also provides access to waterfalls and viewpoints.
Flora in Bloom
While the gnarled kāmahi dominate the canopy, the Goblin Forest is also home to a richly varied understory. Ferns, mosses, and shrubs carpet the forest floor, while vines and climbers weave between trunks. In late spring and early summer, you can spot native blooms such as kotukutuku (tree fuchsia), native daisies, and delicate orchid-like flowers tucked among the greenery.
The forest’s flora thrives thanks to the region's high rainfall and fertile volcanic soil. With every surface supporting growth, including rocks, logs, and other plants, the result is a richly woven ecosystem where new life constantly emerges from the old.
How to Get There
To reach the Goblin Forest from Stratford, follow Manaia Road to Dawson Falls or Pembroke Road to East Egmont. The drive takes around 26 minutes (23 km) to Dawson Falls and 22 minutes (18.5 km) to East Egmont. From New Plymouth, the drive to East Egmont is 50 minutes (55 km).
Mt Taranki has many other attractions, from a tramp to the peak, a hike to the Pouakai Tarns and the multiday Around the Mountain Circuit.
