Do you need help to arrange your travel? Contact us!!!
The Taranaki Mount is one of those attraction deserving at lease dwo days during your New Zealand trip. It is a wonderful mountain, still pristine and wild thanks to the effort to preserve it done by the government.
How to face the Taranaky mount: on our guide, Taranaky mount is introduced as "the tricky mountains", due to the high number of hikes died during the climb of the volcano, especially in winter time. Summer is the best season to hike on Taranaki mount, but keep in mind: to reach the top, you have to climb a bit, using your hands. Is not just a walk, at least on the north side, the most popular among the tourists. Don't underestimate the ascent to the top!
Northern side ascent: it could be done on a single day, leaving the car at, North Egmont or at the Stratford Plateau. This means about 1500 meters difference in height, not within everyone's reach. Actually, we saw many people reserve almost three days to the ascent!
- Day 1 - Walk to the Tahurangi Lodge - overnight stay here at 1500 meters ASL
- Day 2 - Climb to the top - 2500 meters ASL - Come back and overnight stay at the Tahurangi Lodge
- Day 3 - Walk back to the starting point
Southern side ascent: it's possible to ascend starting from the Dawson Falls Visitors Center to reach the Syme Hut, a basic refuce at 2000 meters ASL. Is not possible to reserve a bed, there are only 10 beds available on a first in - first served logic. Hikers can sleep here and face the last 500 meters difference in height on the next morning before coming back
We did not reach the top, our tour ended at the Tahurangi Lodge. We could have tried the final ascent, but the day before Tongariro Crossing had already been a challenge for us so our legs were not in good condition. Plan carefully your hikes in this area as Tongariro and Taranaki are not so distant each other, if you want to climb both of them we suggest you to insert a rest day!
Short description of the hike: our walk started at the Stratford Plateau , passsing through the Manganui refuge , opend in winter season to serve the ski area. The hike proceeds on an easy trail rising the Taranaku slopes . The sharp shadow on the land itself deserve this excursion. The Tahurangi Lodge is a modern, comfortable refuge. Reservation here is mandatory
More info:
Point of interest: Taranaki mount
Difficulty: medium-low
Difference in height: 400 meters uphill one way
Maximum height: 1500 m
Length: 4 km one way
Duration of journey: 2-3 hours
Suggested season: Summer
Technical equipment : Required
Difficulty: medium-low
Difference in height: 400 meters uphill one way
Maximum height: 1500 m
Length: 4 km one way
Duration of journey: 2-3 hours
Suggested season: Summer
Technical equipment : Required