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Mt Taranaki / Egmont is a sleeping volcano situated centrally on the Taranaki Cape and half of its circumference only 25km from the sea coast. This can mean very rapid and dramatic changes in the weather; humid air can sweep in from the sea cloaking the mountain in cloud. Temperature variations of up to 15 degrees celsius are possible within an hour and the cloud can restrict a once sunny 300km view to a mere 5 metres ("white out").
Snow levels vary from year to year but in winter there is always snow and ice above 1500m and in the summer (December to March) permanent ice in the crater and summit region. Snowfall is possible at any time of the year and getting off route can mean steep and tedious travel.
For your guided summit climb of Mt Egmont / Taranaki contact Mt Taranaki Guided Tours. It is strongly recommended you hire a mountain guide so you can enjoy your time on this beautiful but sometimes dangerous mountain.
SUMMIT CLIMB - Summer Conditions
From North Egmont Road End a climb takes approximately 5 hours up and 3 hours down - average fitness is required (Normal Route). Steeper and more challenging routes are available for people with a higher standard of fitness or experienced climbers.
(If you are required to travel on any snow slopes you need an ice axe and crampons.)
EQUIPMENT
You will need:
- tramping / trekking boots,
- raincoat or weather proof jacket,
- over trousers,
- woollen or synthetic jersey,
- long trousers (track pants or long johns (not jeans)
- warm shirt,
- sun hat,
- gloves or mittens,
- sunglasses,
- sun protection block,
- plenty of food,
- at least 1.5 litres of drink,
- personal 1st aid kit,
- camera,
- and a smile on your face.
SUMMIT CLIMB - Winter Conditions
In winter conditions an ice-axe and crampons are required, which your mountain guide will supply.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF NORMAL ROUTE
Leave North Egmont (960m) approx 7-8 am (or earlier in summer)
1 hr 15 minutes to Tahurangi Lodge (1520m)
2 hours via scree slopes to Lizard Ridge (2200m)
1 hr via a lava flow (called The Lizard) snow and rock to crater and summit (2518m)
Return down same route
Times are vary due to conditions and party fitness.
(NOTE - There is always snow and ice in the crater and summit area. Care is needed).
Please remember:
- Protect plants and animals
- Remove all rubbish
- Bury Toilet waste
- Consider other mountain users
- Respect our cultural heritage
- Enjoy your visit!
- Toitu te whenua (Leave the land undisturbed)
The summit area is a culturally sensitive area, to the local Maori people, refer the mountain as an ancestor, and top of the mountain is his head, the Iwi ask climbers not to climb on the "Summit Rock". Please respect their wishes.
Book by e-mail, or call 027 441 7042.
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