New Zealand Walk: Mt Taranaki summit climb - not for the faint hearted
The weather conditions on March 20 for climbing Mount Taranaki (2518m) was perfect, with brilliant sunshine, no cloud and very little wind.
As a 70 and 64 year old we keep ourselves fit and were confident we had the fitness and skills for such a challenge.
We started on the track at 7.30 am as the DOC information brochure on the summit climb recommend allowing five to six hours to the summit
The Mt Taranaki Summit track is the ultimate in trekking experiences in New Zealand. The journey is challenging so should only be attempted by those with a high level of fitness and trekking experience. Standing at 2518m high, the Mt Taranaki summit track is more difficult and dangerous than it may appear so only attempt the track in good weather conditions. Over the years people have died on the track.
Mt Taranaki summit climb - not for the faint hearted
and three to four hours descending.
The first 1½-hour was up a gravel translator road very steep in places. There was an extremely steep section known as “The Puffer”.
A lodge named Tahurangi, which is privately owned is close by the translator so we stopped for a bite to eat, drink and apply sunscreen and also use the only toilet on the track.
From here on is where the challenge really begins clambering over scoria rocks known as “Hongi Valley” until you arrive at a series of steep steps, which will lead you out of the valley onto steep scoria (gravel) slopes.
These wooden steps where some are covered with wire netting can be treacherous as loose gravel builds up behind the boards and spills out over the steps.
Because the day was ideal to tackle this climb there were several hundred other people who had the same idea.
We noticed the people ahead of us tackling the steep scree slope heading up the centre had difficulty getting traction and as a result falling over, with one step forward and it sliding back made it slow going.
We thought we would climb a wee bit to the side of the scree slope where the scoria was larger and your foot sunk in deeper saving you from
sliding backwards. The scree slopes seemed to go on forever and looking up at times you realise your progress is slow just like every one else.
Eventually the scree slope gives way to “The Lizard” (2134m). This is a very rocky ridge all the way to the crater entrance. I should mention there are waratah poles marking the way. This is to give you direction to the top but you pick your own path according to your own capabilities.
Pulling yourself up over scoria rocks gives your legs and arm muscles a good work out. To appreciate how far you have climbed you need to stop and look down. We see many
fellow climbers behind tackling various different sections.
After “The Lizard” there is a rocky ledge around the side to the crater ice. It was not difficult to walk on the ice, as there was fine scoria embedded though it. Once crossing over the crater ice there is about a 10-minute climb with both scree and rocks to the summit.
We felt very excited reaching the summit but duly reminded ourselves that this is only half way.
Time was spent on the summit admiring the 360 degree views including stunning and clear views of Mount Ruapehu, Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Tongariro.
Several photos later we decided to make our way back down. Doing everything in reverse taking just as much care.
Arriving back to the car park it was 4.30 pm. It took us nine hours this includes spending times on the summit, stopping to reapply sunscreen, water and food breaks.
We are pleased with our effort and enjoyed the experience.
Mt Taranaki summit climb - not for the faint hearted