Home»Photo Galleries»New Zealand»New Zealand 2013»Mt. Taranaki / Egmont National Park

Emerging from the flatlands, in isolation from other mountains, Mt. Taranaki rules majestically over the rural heartland of New Zealand and the western coast of the North Island. It is located in Egmont National Park, which encompasses three volcanic cones that are surrounded by a fully developed and densely settled agricultural area. The park protects a remnant of the verdant forest, waterfalls, and unique wetlands that once characterized the entire area. The main peak of Mount Taranaki rises 2,518 metres above sea level and is clearly the centerpiece of the park. It is one of the most symmetrical mountains in the world, and from almost every vantage point it captures the eye and invites exploration.

Taranaki is linked by legend to the mountains of Tongario National Park, which lies to the east in the central part of the North Island. According to the story, Taranaki was forced to flee from his ancestral home, carving out the bed of the Whanganui River on the way to his final destination by the coast. Taranaki is still venerated and its summit is sacred to the Maori. From the slopes of Taranaki, the sun rises over the peaks of Tongariro.

We enjoyed several beautiful walks in Egmont National Park, including the Maketawa Hut Circuit and the Pouakai Circuit tracks. We also spent a nice afternoon walking a beach south of Oakura, near New Plymouth, and we visited Dawson Falls. But the most memorable trek, and by far the most difficult, was our climb to the peak of Taranaki. We left before sunrise and returned after dark, and it was one of the most challenging hikes/climbs we’ve ever attempted. The initial part of the track is very steep in places, and the latter part of the climb requires making your way up steep scoria slopes and clambering up the “Lizard,” a prominent rocky ridge that leads up to the ice-covered crater entrance and the final ascent to the peak. The summit is considered the sacred head of Taranaki, and we respected the request not to stand on the summit stone, but we were able to enjoy the expansive view from the shelf surrounding the summit before we started the long descent. Fortunately, we enjoyed near perfect weather conditions for making the climb, which was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for us.