Day Hikes

New Zealand: Climbing Mt Taranaki

Published March 2020 by Trevor. Updated August 2021.

In this post:

Climbing up Mt Taranaki, a dormant volcano, is no walk in the park. So don’t let anyone tell you that getting up to the summit of Mt Taranaki (2,518m) is easy. From the Egmont National Park Visitors Centre, it’s a challenging climb of around 1,600m to the top.

Climbing Mt Taranaki — Above the clouds on the steep slope of Mt Taranaki

In perfect weather, we climbed up Mt Taranaki in mid February. To provide enough daylight hours to summit and get back down safely, we started around 6am in darkness. Then, descending back down, we reached the Visitors Centre around dusk. This day, there were quite a few people heading up so it was nice to have company, including my partner’s family and exchange students from Germany.

The Route

Starting from the Egmont Visitors Centre, the route is around 12.6km return. We allowed for at least 10-12 hours, though it took us around 14 hours in the end. My partner’s nephew, some 2m tall, bounded up and back much faster! We were equally impressed with my partner’s nearly-12 year old niece who summited, exclaiming at one point “I didn’t come all this way to give up now!”.

The Puffer track — Heading up “The Puffer”

North Egmont Visitors Centre (946m) to Tahurangi Lodge (1,492m)

This is approximately 4km, around 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

We took the Summit Track which starts on a boardwalk. Reaching a locked gate, we were able to enter through the turnstile. We continued up the steep and corrugated service road, known by locals as “The Puffer”. This took us to the privately owned Tahurangi Lodge, part of the Taranaki Alpine Club.

A public toilet is located 100m below the lodge. Note, this is the only available toilet on the way up to the summit.

Tahurangi Lodge to the summit (2,518m)

This section is 2.3km, around 3-4 hours. It is also the hardest part.

Passing the Tahurangi Lodge, the track continued upwards through a rocky valley. Orange poles showed where the route led all the way to the top. There were also helpful signposts at key points to help you decide whether it was safe to continue on.

Signpost leading up to the stairs, helpful for climbing Mt Taranaki — One of the useful yellow safety signposts at the bottom of the stairs

From the valley, a wooden staircase led us up to the next section – a steep scree slope! This where you practice the old ‘one step forward, two steps back routine’. Using trekking poles on this section definitely assisted us.

Coming up the scree slope — Coming up the long scree slope

Having congratulated ourselves on climbing the scree slope (2,134m), we were presented with the next challenge – the “Lizard”. This is 300m of steep rock which you scramble up to the crater’s entrance. We had to take special care at the top. The rock face narrows as you come around the corner and down into the crater.

Scrambling up the Lizard while climbing Mt Taranaki — Scrambling up the ‘Lizard’

The route then took you across the crater and the final short climb up to the summit. We had soft snow in the crater to navigate so in the end, it was comfortable to cross though I can imagine that would turn to ice very easily in bad weather.

Now, to come back down (you’re only half way)

Believe it or not, you’ve done the relative easy part. This is now where you have to refocus as many accidents or falls happen on the descent. We saw a few on the way down. Take your time and come down the Lizard on your backside if you have to. I did and managed to get down safely, though at the end, I did have a few holes in my trousers where I slid down.

Once you have descended the Lizard, you now need to navigate the scoria/scree. It’s much easier if you can find some deep stuff to dig your heels in and slide down. Some people prefer to just run down to keep momentum, but in any event do whatever you feel comfortable with. If you have hiking/trekking poles, use them.

View from a distance — View of Mt Taranaki from a distance

And just when you think it’s all over – guess what? You have to navigate the stairs and then the Puffer. At this stage, your legs are tired but your mind is willing. The end is in sight, but it seems to take a long time to get there.

In completing the climb, we are now deemed by the locals as ‘Taranaki hard core’! A big thanks to Richard and family for taking us up.

Onwards and upwards!

Trevor

Elevation Profile to the crater – one tough climb!

Insights – Climbing Mt Taranaki

Climbing Mt Taranaki is very challenging. Allow plenty of time and leave early.
Sturdy hiking boots are best, especially for descending the scree slope.
There is no water available on the track. We took around 3 litres each in a bladder and used it all up.

Looking across the crater — Looking back across the crater

If the weather deteriorates, turn back. Cloud can descend at any time making it difficult to see the route.
Above Tahurangi Lodge, numbered orange marker poles lead to the summit and give you an indication of how far you have to go as well as keep you on course. Count them on the way down – it’s fun.

Orange poles on the track to help while climbing Mt Taranaki — Orange poles on the track

Check the Egmont National Park weather forecast before you go.
You might also like to read our previous post on hiking one of the trails around Mt Taranaki and also Discover Your Perseverance.

The best time to climb Mt Taranaki is from February to mid-April when the slopes are bare of snow, though ice remains year round in the crater. And, don’t forget to sign the trip intentions book at the Egmont Visitors Centre.

Australia: Spit to Manly Walk

Published July 2019 by Trevor. Updated July 2020.

The Spit Bridge to Manly walk is a beautiful 10km/6.2mi moderate hiking trail (one way) close to the city of Sydney, Australia. It boasts native bushland, quiet inner harbour beaches, picturesque bays and panoramic ocean views.

Spit to Manly Map — Map of the Spit to Manly Walk

Sometimes during the week, but more often on weekends, you will find trail runners, avid walkers and locals on the trail. You may also encounter some high altitude trekkers or mountaineers completing the walk both ways and climbing up the many steps with a heavy backpack for training.

While you can walk from either direction, public transport options to return to your destination are more readily available once you reach Manly. As are cafes and other eateries. For a good circuit route, you can do the walk from the Spit Bridge. Then lunch in Manly and then get the ferry back to the city.

Beautiful view through the North and South Heads of Sydney Harbour

Whether you’re a local or a visitor to Sydney, we recommend the Spit to Manly Walk as a great way to see the harbour from a different perspective. It’s an easy trail to access on the northern side of the harbour and is close to the city.

Onwards and upwards!

Trevor

Insights

The walk forms part of the famous 20km Manly Scenic Walkway. It runs from the Spit all the way to Manly North Head.

It is well sign-posted and maintained, taking around 3 hours to complete, depending on your fitness level.

You can do this walk year round.

Water dragon near the path — Eastern water dragon near the path (not dangerous!)

Take good trail or hiking shoes, as the walk is over varied terrain.

Steps along the route — Steps along the well formed route

There is a kiosk at Clontarf Reserve, around an hour into your walk from the Spit Bridge. The kiosk serves coffee, cold drinks and snacks and is a handy pit stop.

For another hike in the broader Sydney region, read our post on the Six Foot Track in the Blue Mountains.

Great view to the Heads — Great view to the Sydney Harbour Heads

Barcelona: Hiking Montserrat

Published March 2019 by Trevor. Updated February 2021.

In this post:

Hiking Route
Monastery
Summary
Insights

Barcelona is a hustle and bustle city on a grand scale. While it’s a beautiful city full of culture, food and nice people, it can get very busy especially in summer. So heading out of the city for a day, we found a guided hike up and around Montserrat. With a certain wow factor about it, we were very excited.

As a result of leaving the city behind you, you quickly gain a glimpse of this amazing place and history as well as the sensational rock formations ahead.

Hiking Route

The hiking route is best undertaken by taking the funicular up from the Monastery. Hiking the circular route will lead you to several hermitages, passing by where monks used to live.

The hiking route around the mountain of Montserrat is largely very gentle, though be careful as there are some steep sections to navigate.

In exploring the many different hikes that begin at the Monastery and seeing a variety of geology, flora and fauna of this natural park will entertain you for hours. For example, you will pass by pointed spires and rounded rocks along with typical Mediterranean vegetation characterised by dense oak tree forest. If you are lucky, you may be able to spot the iconic wild goat of Montserrat (Ibex) clinging to the rocks.

On a clear day at the top of Montserrat mountain, you can see all the way into France. You may also be able to catch a glimpse of the Pyrenees, Andorra and all the way over to the Mediterranean coast.

Monastery

The Monastery is located at the very heart of Montserrat Mountain.

Abat Oliba — The statue is of Abbot Oliba, founder of Montserrat Barcelona, Spain

Hiking Routes — Map with the different hiking routes

You can undertake the hike of Montserrat Mountain and tour of the Monastery both guided and unguided. By having a guide with you, as we did, you will certainly learn a lot more about the sights and history.

Summary

Some people go on pilgrimages to see the Black Madonna statue. Others are interested in the impressive architecture of the Monastery buildings.

Other people come to hear the famous choir who sing in the basilica every day. Others just come for the varied hikes around Montserrat Mountain.

Onwards and upwards!

Trevor

Insights

Getting there: By car, Montserrat is around 45 minutes from the city of Barcelona – 60km. By train, the journey time to Montserrat from Barcelona España station is approximately 1 1/2 hours.

There are two options to reach the Monastery once you have taken the train ride. So the first option is a cable car ride (Aeri). And the second option is the Funicular Cremallera Train.

Looking back down to the Funicular Train

For a great organised day trip of Montserrat, including transportation from Barcelona, guided hike and tour, we highly recommend Barcelona Hiking Guides
The Montserrat mountain range was declared a natural park in 1987.

The entire hike, including the visit to the Monastery should take you around six hours.

Signpost — All routes are well-marked citing times and landmarks

Get there early to avoid the crowds and find a park if you’re driving.

Compass — At the top of Monserrat a pretty big compass will show you the parts of Spain to any direction

At 1,236 metres (4,055 ft) above the valley floor, Montserrat is the highest point of the Catalan lowlands, and stands central to the most populated part of Catalonia.

Montserrat’s highest point is Sant Jeroni. It is reached by footpaths and steps leading up from the monastery.

View back down to monastery — A view of Montserrat basilica from afar

For more information see the Essential Montserrat Tourist Guide

Monserrat Rocks — Montserrat makes great climbing for rock climbers

USA: There is more to New York than the City

Published October 2018 by Trevor. Updated February 2021.

. Welcome to Upstate New York!

“Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach of us more than we can ever learn from books.” – John Lubbock.

Well, I think I found the above and more.

In this post:

My Go North adventure started in Corning, upstate New York, where we drove for around 5 hours to stay the first night at a gorgeous lodge situated on Long Lake. The Long View lodge is run by a couple of brothers who happen to own a boutique hotel in San Francisco and boy oh boy, the food and the newly renovated rooms were amazing – probably the best food and service I’ve had in all my travels throughout the US!

The next day we drove to Lake Placid, where we stayed the night at the lovely High Peaks Resort. Then the next day it was onto Plattsburgh, followed by a night at the luxurious Queensbury Hotel in Glens Falls. Our final night was spent in Saratoga Springs.

My friends at Go North (see link below) have put together a nice 8 day itinerary summarised below. Themes along the lines of hike, eat, learn, play and shop.

Horse at Saratoga Race Track — Retired thoroughbred race horse at Old Friends at Cabin Creek

Saratoga Jockey — Very cute racing jockey

Day 1 and 2: Saratoga County

Saratoga County is a short drive from Albany or around 3 hours if travelling from New York City. The Saratoga region is home to 300 years of history, being at the centre of Americas’s story and every major movement had a moment here. Visit historic homes, battlefields and museums; enjoy eclectic galleries, unique shops, top-rated restaurants and lodging.

Travellers seek out Saratoga for the world class thoroughbred racing, renowned arts and culture offerings and a multitude of wellness activities. Inspiring natural adventures and experiences are minutes from the award-winning downtown of Saratoga Springs.

Saratoga Adelphi Hotel — Famous Adelphi Hotel in Saratoga Springs

Hot tips

Take a guided walk of Saratoga Springs downtown – check in with the visitor centre.
Hike Saratoga Spa State Park and while you’re there, take a hot mineral bath at the Roosevelt Baths and Spa.
Dine at Hattie’s Restaurant – great southern soul food. While there, check out Caffe Lena next door where Don McLean is rumoured to have wrote the words to American Pie.
Grab an ice cream of your choice at Ben and Jerry’s – iconic Vermont based ice cream parlour.

Check out the famous Saratoga Horse Racing Track and see the horses training at the Oklahoma Training Track close by.
While there, take a tour of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.
Visit a retired thoroughbred farm at Old Friends at Cabin Creek.

Day 3 and 4: Lake George Area

Just a half hour’s drive north from Saratoga Springs you will discover the Lake George Area, home to the ‘Queen of American Lakes’, 32 mile (51.4km) long, Lake George. Positioned at the gateway to the Adirondacks, or as the locals call them ‘the Dacks’, the area is a collaboration of vibrant city streets, quaint villages, rolling mountains and sparking lakes, ponds, rivers and streams surrounded by deep forests.

Discover outdoor adventure, natural scenic beauty, fun and affordable activities for families, couples and singles, fascinating history and one-of-a kind events.

Hot tips

Hike up Prospect Mountain.
Take a two hour cruise on Lake George.
Stay at the lovely restored and historic Queensbury Hotel located in the charming downtown city of Glens Falls. The Queensbury Hotel is highly regarded as the town’s centrepiece, with its gorgeous Victorian architecture, grand lobby, heated indoor pool, restaurant, longe and meeting space.
Glens Falls is being transformed into a vibrant and technology savvy town.

Lake George from the top of Prospect Mountain

Day 5 and 6: Tupper Lake and Lake Placid

After visiting Lake George and its surrounding area, head into the centre of the Adirondack Park and visit the Wild Centre in Tupper Lake, on your way to Lake Placid, the site of two Winter Olympics. The beautiful Adirondacks is one of the largest protected areas in the continental U.S. Pass hundreds of lakes, thousands of miles of rivers and streams and beautiful mountains.

The area’s proximity to great food, Olympic history and luxurious spas make it possible to have a thrilling outdoor adventure and pamper yourself, all in the same day.

Tupper Lake Kayak — Canoeing on the Raquette River, Upstate New York

Hot tips

Check into the Wild Centre at Tupper Lake. Explore the ‘wild walk’ suspended amongst the tree tops, interactive displays or simply canoe the Raquette River.
Stay at the charming High Peaks Resort of Lake Placid.

Take a walk down the main street of Lake Placid and check out the various ice cream parlours, cafes or boutique shops and grab yourself a souvenir.
While in Lake Placid, take a tour of the Olympic Museum.

Drive up Whiteface Mountain (4,867ft/1,483m) – a famed Adirondack 46er (so called because of the 46 peaks over 4,000ft), with great views on a clear day spanning hundreds of miles across Upstate New York stretching to the Adirondack High Peaks, Green and White Mountains of Vermont and New Hampshire and the Laurentian Mountains of Canada.

Day 7 and 8: The Adirondack Coast

Stretching across the western shores of Lake Champlain in the shadow of New York’s Adirondack Mountains and just an hour drive from Lake Placid, the Adirondack Coast offers unprecedented views, endless recreation and a central location. Lakeside villages, charming hamlets and the historic city of Plattsburgh dot the landscape.

Soak up the rich history of a young American nation, or in the deep waters of Lake Champlain. Lose yourself in the open spaces of the Adirondacks or the quite confines of an Adirondacks Chair. Discover amazing treasures in a chasm millions of years old, or a unique shop on the quaint streets of downtown.

Ausable Chasm Swingbridge — One of the many obstacles on the Via Ferrata course at Ausable Chasm

Hot tips

Undertake the Via Ferrata at Ausable Chasm or just take a casual walk and check out the waterfalls and amazing history.
Pick some apples in the fall or berries in the summer at Rulfs Orchard. They may even let you make an apple pie from the apples you pick.

Homemade Apple Pie — My homemade Apple Pie creation at Rulfs Orchard

Be spooked by a ghost tour in downtown Plattsburgh and while there, check out the history of Lake Champlain and the famous naval battle that took place.

Ghost Tour at Plattsburgh — Ghost Tour in Plattsburgh

Check out Valcour Brewing Co., and sample a glass of craft beer or two. Or stay in the historic army barracks.

Craft Beer Tasting — Craft beer tasting at Valcour Brewing

Onwards and upwards!

Trevor

Insights

Best time to visit Upstate New York is around September during Fall and after US schools go back and when the leaves on the trees start changing colour.
If driving, you may want to avoid the winter months as these areas receive lots of snow and roads may be impassable, but if you’re into skiing or back country hiking then go for it.
A little known fact about the Adirondack State Park – it’s the same size as the State of Vermont and combined, you could fit both Yellowstone and Yosemite into the State Park. Yes, the State Park is huge!
Note: If you’re driving from Buffalo or any of the Northern States, then you could do this trip in reverse order.
For further information, check out the website – Go North.

Lake George from Prospect Mountain — Lake George from the top of Prospect Mountain

Australia: Hiking the Ormiston Gorge, Macdonnell Ranges

Published October 2018 by Trevor. Updated July 2020.

Hiking the Ormiston Gorge in winter provided the perfect backdrop to explore this lovely area in the Macdonnell ranges. We found that the Ormiston Gorge is a huge amphitheatre surrounded by hills and ridges. Massive geological forces created the towering red walls of the Gorge and is full of colour.

Vivid colours of the red rock and blue sky

Within Ormiston Gorge, there is a permanent waterhole. This is estimated to be at least 14 metres deep. In the hot summer months, it provides for a refreshing end to a day’s exploring.

The seven kilometre long Ormiston Gorge walk is a full circuit from the visitor centre. Heading in a clockwise direction, you head up a well made trail section with a few stairs up onto a ridge which provides you with panoramic views, down across the rocky slopes, onto the flat floor of the pound and returns along the gorge via the main waterhole.

View from the lookout looking down into the Gorge

Hiking the full circuit will take you around four hours.

You can undertake this walk at any time of the year. In summer, the heat can be oppressive which makes the waterhole crossing that much more enjoyable as the water is best described as freezing. Once you cross over the waterhole you can continue along the creek bed back to Ormiston Gorge or take the alternate faster route via the Ghost Gum walk. This provides for great views back through the gorge you have just walked and back towards the Ormiston Gorge complex.

Billabong towards the end of the trail near the Visitors Centre

Getting There

Ormiston Gorge is situated 135km (84mi) west of Alice Springs in the Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park. Access is via Larapinta and Namatjira Drives. The Visitor Centre is approximately 8kms from the Ormiston Gorge turn-off on Namatjira Drive. Sealed roads provide access by conventional vehicles. Note, some roads can be impassable for a short period after heavy rain.

Onwards and upwards!

Trevor

Striking colours of the outback landscape.

Insights

The West MacDonnell National Park is accessible all year round. The cooler months (April to October) are the most pleasant.
The Ormiston Gorge trailhead forms part of the famous Larapinta Trail. It even comes with a kiosk providing coffee and cake!

The well-known Larapinta Trail goes through this area.

The gorge has a waterhole that is there all year round and is great for swimming, especially in warmer months.

Amongst the trees near a billabong (waterhole).

But remember that most swimming holes are very cold so be careful swimming at any time of year. Long exposure, even in summer, can lead to hypothermia.
Ormiston Gorge Ranger Station phone: + 61 8 8956 7799. Contact Parks and Wildlife Alice Springs for more tourist information. Kiosk phone: +61 8 8954 0152