Attempting to summit Mt Taranaki (aka, Mt Egmont) is a test of both endurance and weather, irrespective of the season.
On this day in January, it was cloudy, windy and wet with the odd rock slide to boot.
While we didn’t quite make the summit due to the inclement weather, we did the next best thing and decided on a traverse below the summit.
Navigating our way using a map, crisscrossing a raging river on a traverse below the summit and getting lost was an interesting challenge. Topography map reading skills that day came in very handy, along with a fair degree of perseverance with very wet feet and boots.
We came across some fellow trampers coming in the opposite direction who exclaimed ‘but we’re not wet’. “Hah, but you will soon be’, I uttered quietly under my breath.
My partner’s brother and his son, who live in New Plymouth, climb this mountain a few times a year. From all accounts, they are very agile and fast in both getting up and down. Next time, we plan to summit with them, weather permitting!
Onwards and upwards!
Trevor
Insights
- Mt Taranaki summit is 2,518m (8,261ft).
- The summit is 6.3km (3.91mi) one way, return via same track from the car park at North Egmont.
- Allow 5-6 hours up; 3-4 hours down (dependant on the weather).
- In winter/spring conditions, snow and ice on the mountain requires New Zealand mountaineering experience and alpine equipment and a different route.
- The best time of year to attempt the summit without alpine equipment is February to mid April. Always check with the Egmont National Park Visitor Centre for up to date information as conditions can change suddenly. Thick cloud can descend suddenly on the mountain anytime, making navigation very difficult – be prepared to turn back.
- While the distance may not seem far to the summit – it’s the elevation gain that will get you puffing. In 6.3km (3.9mi) from North Egmont to the summit area, the gain in height is 1,600m (5,249ft) – that’s steep!
- Mt Taranaki has great spiritual significance to local Maori: the crater and summit is the sacred head of Taranaki, the rocks and ridge are his bones, rivers his blood and plants and trees are his cloak and offer protection from the weather.
- Note:Â There is nowhere in Taranaki to hire ice axe and crampons/alpine equipment or tramping gear. Either bring your own or hire gear prior to your arrival.
- Check out the latest weather forecast for Egmont National Park before you set out.
- You might also like our posts on Climbing Mt Taranaki and Discover Your Perseverance