Description

Climb to the summit of Mt Taranaki. Time: up 56 hr; down 34 hr. Distance: 6.3 km one way. For non mountaineers, the best time to climb the mountain is during January to March when the mountain is often clear of snow and ice other than in the crater. This is a full day strenuous hike for fit, well-equipped trampers. Allow plenty of time and leave early. Times stated are approximate only. Caution: no water is available on this track. North Egmont (946 m) to Tahurangi Lodge (1492 m) (1.52 hr, 4 km) From Taranaki / Egmont National Park Visitor Centre the Summit Track follows the boardwalk up to a locked gate. Cross the stile and continue up the gravel Translator Road (walking access only) to the privately owned Tahurangi Lodge. Sections of this track are very steep. There is a public toilet 100 m below the lodge and a small day shelter room at the lodge. Tahurangi Lodge to the Summit (2518 m) (34 hr, 2.3 km) The track passes in front of Tahurangi Lodge and continues upwards via the poled route through the rock-covered Hongi Valley. A series of steps leads out of the valley onto steep scoria (gravel) slopes. Continue uphill to the Lizard (2134m), a prominent rocky ridge which leads you to the craters summer entrance. The route then crosses the crater ice to the final short climb up to the summit rock.