For generations the grandeur of Taranaki
has enticed many people to attempt an
ascent to the summit of this now dormant volcano.
However the weather can change very fast
and climbing the mountain is a serious undertaking
that should not be underestimated
The mountain holds numerous tramping tracks
for adventurers of all fitness levels
One of the most challenging tramps (hikes)
in the national park
takes you high above the clouds
for a truly breathtaking Alpine view
The Taranaki Summit Route climbs
6.3 kilometers up the northern ridge of Taranaki.
This might appear to be a simple day walk
but this is definitely NOT the case!
This tramp (hike) is both technically and physically
difficult and should only be attempted
by experienced trampers
with the proper equipment
and in good weather conditions
The best time of year to attempt
the tramp is during the
peak summer period of January through to April
snow is present year-round but
snow cover will be at its lowest
during these summer months.
The average daily summer temperature
sits around 1-7 degrees (C)
with temperatures at the
summit being substantially colder
when wind or cloud is present
You can expect rain
for over two 212 days of the year
which frequently brings
the mountain under cloud cover
at all elevations.
Mount Taranaki stands in isolation
next to the ocean and weather conditions
here can change extremely quickly.
So, make sure you check the official
National Park weather forecast
at MetService.com before you go.
Remember, that you will be in an Alpine
environment which means there's a good chance
you will experience heavy rain,
strong winds, snow and freezing temperatures
even in the height of
summer
You will need warm and waterproof clothing
as well as a good pair of
tramping (hiking) boots.
There is no access to water on the climb
so take enough to last the whole day.
This will be a very long day so make
sure you leave early in the morning
to ensure you have enough daylight hours
to complete the Tramp
and pack a head-torch just in case.
as with all walks and tramps
in New Zealand make sure you 'leave your intentions'
with a trusted contact and
inform them when you've finished.
You can find out more about
'leaving your intentions' at the Mountain Safety Council website.
The beginning of the track is at the North Egmont car park.
Start your day by heading
into the DOC visitor centre to get information
on the latest track and mountain conditions
also take a moment to once again check
MetService.com for the day's weather forecast.
If you arrive before the visitor centre opens,
then take the time to read the signs
and information boards
at the start of the track as this
is where any important messages will be posted.
Also use this time to let your trusted contact
know your exact intentions
If you decide to attempt the summit
the start of the track follows a
dirt road that is fairly easy going
and sheltered by the forest.
As the road
makes its way up the mountain
the forest will eventually give way to tussock
taking you all the way to Tahurangi Lodge.
This is a good spot
to have a rest
as this as the only shelter on the tramp
and a toilet can also be found
100 metres back down the track.
This is also your first essential decision-making
point, as the dirt road now gives way
to an expert route which is far more
difficult undefined and exposed.
Assess how everyone has been doing so far
The track gets much harder from here
so if you're unsure about your fitness
we recommend adjusting your plans.
This is a good spot to discuss a
turnaround time to ensure you'll have
enough time to get up and back down the
mountain safely
Finally, check the weather higher up the mountain.
If it's wet, windy
and you can't see the summit
or you have doubts about any of these points
turn around and head back down.
From the lodge you'll head into a gully.
This initially starts is a thin route
with large boulders to step over
however, the track quickly disappears
and you'll need to do a bit of rock scrambling
Just follow the numbered orange poles
to stay on the correct route.
This gully doesn't get much sun
during the early morning,
so these rocks can
be icy and slippery for a good portion of the day.
Use your hands to help you up
and over the rocks.
Be aware of where you place your feet
to avoid lower leg injuries
The upper section of the gully
has a set of stairs to take you up and
out onto the ridgeline.
Exposure to the elements will greatly increase
as you move up the stairs.
Use the top of the stairs as
another good decision-making point.
Take the time to once again reassess
your group's fitness and confidence.
The most physically demanding and exposed
sections are still in front of you.
Confirm that you are on track to reach
the summit before your turnaround time.
Finally, reassess the weather conditions
and check the weather higher up the mountain.
If you have doubts about any of these
consider turning around.
From here the route becomes even more
difficult as you start to ascend
a long and exposed scree slope.
The scree is very unstable so every
every step up feels
like you have slid two steps down.
Progress will be slow. and it's both
physically and mentally exhausting.
You also need to be mindful of people above you
sending scree down onto you.
After 1-2 hours of climbing up the scree
you'll come to a noticeable change in terrain
as the scree will give
way to large steep rocks.
The section is known as The Lizard.
Signs will prompt you to use
the start of the lizard as your final decision-making point
Again, reassess everyone's fitness and confidence
the weather conditions,
both here and further up the mountain,
and make sure
you are still on time to summit
before your turnaround time.
Although it may
look like you're near the top
you still have 1.5 - 2 hours of
climbing left.
As you start up the lizard
you'll be climbing more than tramping
so use your hands to help you get past
these big rocks.
Visibility can often be poor
which makes the route difficult to see.
Make sure you follow the numbered orange poles
to stay safely on route.
Just before you reach the crater
the track will narrow down
and you'll need to
walk along a skinny ledge.
This section is not for the faint-hearted
As the large cliff above and below
leaves you little room for error.
So make sure you take your time!
This ledge will lead you to the summit crater.
The crater has snow in it year round
which is a testament to the freezing temperatures
up here even during summer.
You will need to pass over the crater
to reach the summit.
Depending on the conditions, this can be difficult
as the snow in the crater is often capped in ice.
If ice is present,
it's not recommended to go any further if you
don't have crampons
and an ice axe.
However, during summer
the snow can soften making
crossing tricky but possible.
Make sure to kick steps in to get the
best grip and stability.
There is one last small rock slope
to climb which can be
very slippery when covered and ice
so take care as you approach the summit,
especially in shaded areas.
At the summit enjoy the
beautiful view above the clouds.
Be aware that there are some
rules up here.
Taranaki has exceptional traditional
and spiritual significance to the Iwi of Taranaki,
and is recognized as Taonga
an ancestor.
Therefore DOC and the Iwi of
Taranaki, ask that you give respect
to the mountain and do not stand directly
on the summit stone.
Do not litter or camp up here,
and remember to abide by
the 'Leave No Trace' principles.
Reaching the summit is a great accomplishment
but now you have to do it all again in reverse!
The majority of injuries happen on the descent,
so make sure you take your time descending both the Lizard and
the scree sections as you may be tired
and mistakes can happen easily.
The scree section is particularly difficult
to navigate on the way down, and it's hard
to control your momentum.
It's best just to take it slow
and use walking poles to
keep your balance.
A good pair of rigid tramping (hiking) boots
will make the world of difference
here compared to flexible running shoes.
If you have planned your day well
you should have plenty of time to descend.
Taranaki offers a rewarding
challenge for those with the necessary
skills experience and equipment to reach
the summit
Remember that the best time to go
is between January and April
Just be aware that this is not a simple tramp
and if conditions are poor be prepared
to turn around at any point.
The weather changes fast,
and your trip will be
dictated by the conditions on the day
so make sure you check the official
Taranaki National Park weather
forecast at MetService.com
Also talk to the
DOC staff at the
North Egmont Visitor Centre
to get the latest information on
track conditions.
Otherwise, enjoy the tramp!
it's not every day you
get to climb a volcano!
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