Ambury Monument Walk, Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki

From the visitor centre

The Ambury Monument Walk begins at the North Taranaki Visitor Centre in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki. From the centre, follow the boardwalk past the Camphouse to the viewing platform, then take the track leading to the monument. The listed distance is 380 m one way and the listed time is 10 min; it is graded Easy short walk. DOC

The route is compact, but its landmarks make it more than a direct stroll: the Camphouse and viewing platform precede the memorial, and a grassy picnic spot beside the monument looks toward Taranaki Maunga. You can return the same way or follow the Nature Walk to exit just below the visitor centre. DOC

A memorial on the maunga

The monument remembers climber Arthur Hamilton Ambury, who died on 3 June 1918 while attempting to save William Edwin Gourlay after Gourlay slipped on ice. Both men fell over the bluff. The memorial gives this short outing a specific historical focus: the walk ends at a place associated with a rescue attempt on the mountain. DOC

The stone obelisk was unveiled on Good Friday, 18 April 1919. Built from locally sourced stone, it stands on a square base with stone seats on each side and bears a plaque describing Ambury’s effort. He received a posthumous Albert Medal, presented to his widow, Annie, a year later by Governor General Arthur Foljambe. DOC

Choosing the return

For the simplest outing, retrace the boardwalk route from the monument. The alternative follows the Nature Walk and exits just below the visitor centre, making a small variation to the return without changing the memorial as the destination. The grassy area beside the monument provides a natural pause before either choice. DOC

Access begins 13 km south of New Plymouth at Egmont Village; turn from State Highway 3 onto Egmont Road and continue 16 km to its end, following signs to the North Taranaki Visitor Centre. Dogs are not permitted. DOC

Mountain weather

Weather on the mountain changes rapidly, so suitable clothing and equipment for all conditions are needed even for this short walk. Snow, high rainfall and storm damage can make tracks impassable, while many rivers and streams in the area are unbridged. Check the Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki weather forecast before going. DOC