Mount Taranaki is the second highest mountain on New Zealand’s north island, at 2517m (around 8500ft for you folks on the imperial system).
The climb up it is a gruelling 17km hike, and this is generally regarded as being one of the toughest day hikes you can do on the north island.
With this knowledge in our minds, we decided to give it a go. The day we chose was absolutely perfect, with just a gentle breeze to accompany us, and no cloud forecast.
The hike started at the 900 metre mark, and from there on in it was all uphill, first through lush forest, then scrubland, before the really hard part – a tough slog up an insanely steep scree field and a scramble up the lava flow near the top.
Here are a series of photos to give you an idea of what this walk is like. Check out the end of the post for a bit more information on the walk, and a video of me making a tit out of myself on the way back down the aforementioned scree slope…
The path up. At around 1000m altitude here, only 1500 metres to go!
The end of the easy path. The trail continues up to the right of the hut.
Looking back from the hut to the Tongariro National Park, 180km away.
Onwards and upwards. Still relatively easy compared to what is coming..
The end of the creek, the path winds round these boulders…
A staircase! Fairly steep too. Well, the whole thing is pretty steep if I’m honest..
The end of the staircase. It’s a crazy scramble up a scree field from here on in. Vertigo sufferers need not apply.
End of the scree and the start of the “Lizard”, a lava flow up the side of the mountain to the crater. Also quite a scramble. Oh yes, and some snow.
View back across the scree scramble from the start of the Lizard. The views were pretty awesome.
Nearly the top! The crater is snow filled year round and for most of the year requires ice axes and crampons. We didn’t have these and didn’t need them.
On the way up to the final summit from the crater. Actually almost there now.
The top! And we were not alone – this walk is nowhere near as busy as some, but there are a few people on the trail when the weather is this good.
There was some art at the top.
The view from the top with the clouds swirling around was lovely. The clouds in the far background are across the Tongariro National Park, 180km away.
And the inevitable picture of me at the top. Splendid stuff!
For more information on this walk, the excellent Department of Conservation centre at the start of the walk has pretty much everything you need to know. There is also a sign in and sign out book which is essential to fill in even for the day hikes – the weather here changes incredibly quickly and having someone know you are still on the mountain is a comfort. It is a serious mountain to hike – over sixty people have died on its slopes – so every precaution should be taken.
For more information on how to prepare for a day hike, check out my day hikes – what you need to know post. Otherwise, I can highly recommend this walk if you want a slightly less crowded volcano climb compared to say the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, or are just looking for a really awesome uphill stroll. And now.. here’s that video I mentioned:
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post, why not take a look at some of the other posts I’ve done featuring the Taranaki region, including two fabulous road trips in the area: the Surf Coast Highway, and the Lost World Highway.
Dan says
Hi Laurence, great photo and story!
I plan to hike Taranaki also later in this month, may I know how long was the hike?
Thanks 🙂
Laurence Norah says
Hi Dan!
Thanks very much 🙂 It was an awesome day, but quite a tough hike for sure. I’d say it was around 5 hours up, and then 2 – 3 hours down. Definitely a full day of hiking.
Have an awesome walk!
Lexa Harpell says
Fabulous images of NZ’s stunning scenery, quite a trek to the summit! Oh the burn on the thighs! Next time in Aust, try the summit of Cradle Mountain! 🙂
Laurence Norah says
Thanks Lexa! I did actually climb Cradle Mountain, I spent a month on Tasmania in the summer and had a gorgeous day for it 🙂 Definitely one of my favourite walks in Australia!
Laurence Norah says
lol, a fair point. It was a tongue in cheek remark.. as the going got a lot tougher at that point! Still, great walk, with excellent views all over the place 😀 Hope you enjoyed it!
Anja says
I don’t know how you can write “The end of the easy path” under photo 3!? I didn’t find it easy when I was there 1 week ago; except of the very first minute when I walked to the lookout platform beside the parking place 😀
After walking till Tahurangi Lodge I can only say “Respect”!
Alistair McAlpine says
I agree, the photography is outstanding and so is the achievement. Thanks for sharing Laurence.
Laurence Norah says
Thanks Alistair 😀
Alistair McAlpine says
I agree, the photography is outstanding and so is the achievement. Thanks for sharing Laurence.
nakiMan says
Wow, amazing photos & crazy cloud formations! What camera did you use?
Laurence says
Thanks 🙂 I have an Eos 400d. These shots were taken with a Canon 17–85is lens with a polarising filter. It was a truly fabulous day!
Laurence says
Thanks 🙂 I have an Eos 400d. These shots were taken with a Canon 17–85is lens with a polarising filter. It was a truly fabulous day!
nakiMan says
Wow, amazing photos & crazy cloud formations! What camera did you use?
Laurence says
It was pretty epic! And thanks 🙂
Amanda Williams says
Wow, looks pretty epic! And, as always, your photos are stunning!
Amanda Williams says
Wow, looks pretty epic! And, as always, your photos are stunning!
Laurence says
It was pretty epic! And thanks 🙂
Laurence says
It sure is!
Laurence says
Yes, it is a bit of a non macho video I must accept. Was fun at the time
though!
Jack and Jill says
Beautiful pics. BEen seeing more and more pics coming out of NZ and the whole country just looks amazing!
JacknJillTravel says
Beautiful pics. BEen seeing more and more pics coming out of NZ and the whole country just looks amazing!
Laurence says
It sure is!
Scott Mckenzie says
a) That looks quite steep and b) you look camper than a boy scouts jamboree skipping down the mountain!!!
srbmckenzie says
a) That looks quite steep and b) you look camper than a boy scouts jamboree skipping down the mountain!!!
Laurence says
Yes, it is a bit of a non macho video I must accept. Was fun at the time
though!