Mount Taranaki

Mt Taranaki. Have you ever seen such a perfect sight?

Towering at 2,518 metres high, Te Maunga is one of the most symmetrical mountains in the world, and I think you’ll find one of the most captivating. The secondary cone of Mt Taranaki, Fanthams Peak is 1,966 meters high and can be seen clearly from the south side of the mountain. Mount Taranaki can be accessed by car at three different entry points, Pembroke Road to Stratford Plateau, Egmont Road to North Egmont, and Manaia Road to Dawson Falls. The highest point of access with a viewing platform and parking facilities for the ski field, is the Pembroke Road access. As the centre of attention in Taranaki, the activities and adventures to be had on Mt Taranaki are endless...

History

Originally named Mt Egmont by Captain Cook, Mount Taranaki became the alternative and equal official name in 1986. Having commenced activity approximately 130,000 years ago, Mt Taranaki is classed as a relatively young mountain. Mount Taranaki is sacred to Māori and has its fair share of stories to tell. The name Taranaki comes from Tara meaning “mountain peak” and naki stems from the word ngaki which means “glistening”, referencing the snow covering the mountain. Mt Taranaki’s most notable story is the legend of the battle of mountains. Legend has it that Mt Taranaki once lived in the central plateau with the other mountains – Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe. Tongariro erupted in jealous fury as Mount Taranaki began flirting with the pretty lady hill named Pihanga. Taranaki fled to the west, carving out large rivers as he travelled through Whanganui before settling where he is now.

Egmont National Park Walks

There are walking tracks galore in the National Park of Mt Taranaki. They range from 5 -15 minute easy strolls to 4-5 day circuit treks. Due to the park’s high rainfall, the Mountain’s lower slopes are laden with moss and lichens that drip from the tōtara and kamahi trees as the enchanting walks wind their way through the “Goblin forest”. The alluring sounds you’ll hear from the trees come from the bountiful tomtits, tui, korimako and kererū birds. You’ll be spoilt for choice of tracks to explore at each of the Mountain entrances, it all depends on the time you have, and your level of fitness. At The Dawson Falls entrance, Kapuni loop track is a 1 hour round trip which cascades along the Kapuni Stream. The Kamahi loop track at East Egmont, is a 15-30 minute walk through the Goblin Forest, perfect for children. At the northern entrance, the nature walk is another popular loop for families, only taking 15 minutes to complete. For experienced trampers, at the Northern entrance is the North Egmont Pouakai Circuit, a 2–3 day trek. The premier tramp offers spectacular views and has two huts for overnight stays. The 4–5 day Around the Mountain Circuit is a backcountry trek taking you through incredible scenery of the river, alpine and forest.

Summit climb

The summit track access point is at the North Egmont Visitor Centre, approximately 35 min drive from Stratford. The Mount Taranaki summit track is challenging, yet can be climbed by non-mountaineers with a good level of fitness and takes approx 8 - 10 hours there and back. A guided open mountain climb is run every February by the Taranaki Alpine Club, so for the not so experienced this is a fantastic opportunity to reach the summit with the guidance of experienced climbers. Read More...

Manganui Ski field

The Stratford Mountain Club operates the Manganui ski field on the eastern slope. From the carpark, it is a 25 minute walk to the ski field. The season runs from June to October and is suitable for learners to intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The ‘no frills’ ski field is perfect for beginners as our mountain is rarely crowded with people. A visit to Taranaki just isn’t complete without a visit to Mt Taranaki . No matter the season, he will entice you with his beauty and leave you feeling at peace after a walk through nature, or a hike to unforgettable views. Read More at The Stratford Mountain Club.