Maori legend provides an enchanting explanation for why Mt Taranaki stands alone. As the story goes, Taranaki once lived with the other volcanoes of the central plateau - Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe. When he made romantic advances to Pihanga, a pretty hill that they all admired, Tongariro jealously blew his top (as volcanoes are inclined to do). Taranaki fled to the west, gouging the Whanganui River on his way.
The snow-capped cone of Mt Taranaki lures visitors who appreciate geological phenomena. Apart from one small bump - a subsidiary vent called Fantham's Peak - the mountain's cone is beautifully symmetrical. Often described as 'New Zealand's most climbed mountain', Mt Taranaki provides non-mountaineers with an achievable summit challenge.
For those interested in botany, Egmont National Park makes it possible to observe the progression of plant species from surf to summit. The lowland forest is scattered with rimu and rata trees, which gradually make way for kamahi, totara and kaikawaka. The 'Goblin Forest', on the mountain's middle slopes, takes its name from the gnarled shape of the trees and the thick swathes of trailing moss. Above the forest you'll find sub-alpine scrub and alpine herbs. A comprehensive network of walking tracks provides access to the unique beauty of the park.
Look forward to
Short and long walks
The Egmont National Park has 13 entrances, making it one of New Zealand's most accessible wilderness areas. The 'Around the Mountain Circuit' takes 3 to 5 days to complete. The two-day Pouakai Circuit, starting and finishing at North Egmont, crosses over the Ahukawakawa Swamp and the remnants of the old Pouakai volcano. A variety of short walks can be found around Dawson Falls and East Egmont. Don't miss the Kamahi walk, at East Egmont, through the Goblin Forest.
Summit climb
The main climbing route to the summit starts at North Egmont, and you need to allow 6 to 8 hours for the return trip. During winter, summit climbs are for experienced snow and ice climbers only. Climbers need a good knowledge of the mountain’s unique snow and ice conditions, a high level experience, the right equipment and knowledge of how to use it. The first ascent of Mt Taranaki is attributed to Tahurangi, who lit a fire on the summit to prove he had taken possession of the mountain for the Taranaki tribes.
Skiing
The ski field on Mt Taranaki's eastern slopes is operated by the Stratford Mountain Club, but visitors are always welcome. The season runs from June to October.
Copyright 1999-2009 Tourism New Zealand
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General
Maori legend provides an enchanting explanation for why Mt Taranaki stands alone. As the story goes, Taranaki once lived with the other volcanoes of the central plateau - Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe. When he made romantic advances to Pihanga, a pretty hill that they all admired, Tongariro jealously blew his top (as volcanoes are inclined to do). Taranaki fled to the west, gouging the Whanganui River on his way.
The snow-capped cone of Mt Taranaki lures visitors who appreciate geological phenomena. Apart from one small bump - a subsidiary vent called Fantham's Peak - the mountain's cone is beautifully symmetrical. Often described as 'New Zealand's most climbed mountain', Mt Taranaki provides non-mountaineers with an achievable summit challenge.
For those interested in botany, Egmont National Park makes it possible to observe the progression of plant species from surf to summit. The lowland forest is scattered with rimu and rata trees, which gradually make way for kamahi, totara and kaikawaka. The 'Goblin Forest', on the mountain's middle slopes, takes its name from the gnarled shape of the trees and the thick swathes of trailing moss. Above the forest you'll find sub-alpine scrub and alpine herbs. A comprehensive network of walking tracks provides access to the unique beauty of the park.
Look forward to
Short and long walks
The Egmont National Park has 13 entrances, making it one of New Zealand's most accessible wilderness areas. The 'Around the Mountain Circuit' takes 3 to 5 days to complete. The two-day Pouakai Circuit, starting and finishing at North Egmont, crosses over the Ahukawakawa Swamp and the remnants of the old Pouakai volcano. A variety of short walks can be found around Dawson Falls and East Egmont. Don't miss the Kamahi walk, at East Egmont, through the Goblin Forest. Summit climb
The main climbing route to the summit starts at North Egmont, and you need to allow 6 to 8 hours for the return trip. During winter, summit climbs are for experienced snow and ice climbers only. Climbers need a good knowledge of the mountain’s unique snow and ice conditions, a high level experience, the right equipment and knowledge of how to use it. The first ascent of Mt Taranaki is attributed to Tahurangi, who lit a fire on the summit to prove he had taken possession of the mountain for the Taranaki tribes. Skiing
The ski field on Mt Taranaki's eastern slopes is operated by the Stratford Mountain Club, but visitors are always welcome. The season runs from June to October.
Copyright 1999-2009 Tourism New Zealand
Contact & location
Be the first one to add a review
The photos displayed on this page are the property of one of the following authors:
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This travel guide also includes text from Wikitravel articles, all available at
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This travel guide also includes text from Wikipedia articles, all available at
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