Image: John Spenc | DOC
The Camphouse, Egmont National Park.
The Camphouse

Located in Egmont National Park and North Egmont area in the Taranaki region

The historic Camphouse is nestled on the slopes of the mighty Mount Taranaki. It's an ideal base for exploring the stunning walks of Egmont National Park. The Camphouse must be booked in advanced.

Use the historic Camphouse as a base to explore the North Egmont area of Egmont National Park. Climb to the summit of Mt Taranaki, walk the Pouakai Circuit, or simply sit on the deck and enjoy the fantastic views over Taranaki to the mountains of the Central Plateau.

Facilities

  • Sleeps 34 in 5 rooms:
    • 4 rooms sleep 8 on bunk beds
    • 1 room sleeps 2 on bunk beds
  • Mattresses - bring your own linen or other bedding and pillows
  • Pots, pans, cooking utensils, cutlery and crockery – bring your own tea towels and dishwashing liquid.
  • Men’s and women’s bathrooms with 2 showers and 1 toilet in each – bring your own soap and towels.
  • Wheelchair accessible toilet.
  • Communal lounge with heating.
  • Car parking for 5 cars directly outside. More parking available within 50 m.

Using the lodge

Collecting the key

The lodge is locked – refer to your booking confirmation for the key code to access a box with your key.

Cleaning

Mt Taranaki Camphouse operates on a 'self clean' basis. Clean and tidy the lodge before you leave. Basic cleaning supplies are provided but you will need to bring your own rubbish bags.

Check out time

Check out is 10 am. Return your key by 10 am or you may be charged an extra night's accommodation. Keys not returned will be charged for.

No smoking

No smoking is allowed inside DOC accommodation.

Fees

Per bunk bed (shared occupancy)

  • Adult (18+): $28 per night
  • Child (5-17): $14 per night
  • Under 5: free

 

Bookings

Bookings are open for stays up to 30 June 2025.

All bookings are first-come first-served. We do not have waiting lists for bookings for future seasons or facilities that are already booked-out.

The Camphouse is at the North Egmont road end, 29 km from New Plymouth.

Follow SH3 to Egmont Village and turn into Egmont Road (right if you're coming from New Plymouth, left if you're coming from Inglewood). Follow Egmont Road to the carpark and visitor centre at the end.

Roads may have snow and ice in winter

During winter snow and ice may be present on mountain roads such as the one to The Camphouse. Check weather conditions and contact North Egmont Visitor Centre prior to traveling.

The Camphouse is on a mountain - it can get cold! There is basic heating, but make sure you take plenty of warm clothing and bedding.

There are many tramping opportunities in this area ranging from short walks to more adventurous undertakings.

History of The Camphouse

The Camphouse was built as a military barracks for the Taranaki Wars of the 1860s. 

From 1874 the barracks were also used to provide temporary housing for immigrants. By 1891 the building fell into a state of disrepair and it was dismantled.

In 1885 farmer Harry Peters discovered a new route to North Egmont and it quickly became more popular than other established routes of the time. As the number of visitors to the mountain grew so did the need for permanent accommodation to house them.

In 1891 part of the dismantled barrack building was sledded to North Egmont for this purpose. It was named Tahurangi House on its formal opening in 1892. It then became known as the Old House in 1913 when additional accommodation was added (later demolished), before finally becoming the Camphouse in 1977. Since 1892 it has provided accommodation for generations of New Zealanders and international visitors.

While the building’s recreation heritage is most prominent today, its military past is still evident. Many of the original features such as handwrought corrugated iron with gun shots, and tongue and groove timber panelling can still be seen.