Mt Tauhara - a challenging walk to the top
- a challenging walk to the top
Mt Tauhara Maunga is approximately 20 minutes drive from the Taupo Township along State highway 5 on the Napier to Hawkes Bay road.
It is very popular with locals and visitors and all ages can enjoy the climb. Is an ancestral and culturally significant mountain to local Maori and is to be respected.
The track was closed in late 2014 due to vandalism and has recently been opened again this being dependent on the cost of the upkeep of the track in the future. It is hoped to re introduce native species lost to the area leaving a legacy for future generations.
It starts off with a steep climb across a large paddock, a working farm with grazing stock. It then becomes rugged bush and trees from the base of the mountain up which is very welcome for the shade it provides on a hot day.
The steep climb is approximately 2.5 kms to the summit which is 1,088 metres. It is very challenging and winding and the path is quite rocky, rough and very narrow in places.
It is very picturesque with small waterfalls and pools along the way. You
need sturdy footwear, water and maybe a snack and as there is a cool wind at the summit maybe a jacket.
I did this walk in January on a very hot day and there were quite a few people on the track dressed only in tee shirts, shorts and light shoes, some had children with them who seemed to manage although there were some who had
turned back as they hadn’t realized just how steep it was.
It was a slow climb for me due to my age but I was determined to conquer it as I had been told that it would be worth the effort for the wonderful panoramic view to be had at the summit with views of Lake Taupo and the central North Island and I wasn’t disappointed.
I nearly gave up after I had reached about half way and had to keep stopping to rest. It was quite humorous as all the younger climbers and children who passed behind me going up were coming down again while I struggled on up determined to finish what I had set out to achieve.
There were comforting remarks spoken to me as they passed promising that it wasn’t that much further to the top and when I finally arrived it was absolutely stunning, mind boggling and took the breath away that I had just retrieved having reached the destination.
I recommend doing this climb on a fine cloudless day if possible to appreciate the view, also a warning for those that suffer from vertigo as there are no barriers or fencing around the edges and looking down may cause loss of balance. I was greeted with a spectacular view of Lake Taupo, the township and surrounding countryside and was even able to spot Mt Taranaki in the distance. It made this walk/climb well worth the effort. It really was exhilarating. How beautiful our country is.
What is described as a two and a half hour return trip on the information brochure was closer to four hours for one determined retired lady who had to stop and rest many times and of course to take photos but am glad I met the challenge. It is not really a walk for the faint hearted but no harm in giving it a go.