Known as the perfect mountain, the climb to Mount Taranaki is one of those tracks that cannot be missed in New Zealand.
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| Mount Taranaki |
Located very close to New Plymouth, on the North Island, Mount Taranaki is not to be missed when looking on the map. You will recognize it because it is the only one who is lonely and because it also creates a perfect circle seen from space.
Mount Taranaki - With 2518 m. high, this inactive volcano offers spectacular views to those who dare to reach its top, which I already tell you is not easy or simple.
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| Mount Taranaki |
The ascent to the summit will depend a lot on your fitness and weather conditions. In general, the track will take you about 8 or 10 hours. I completed it in 9, but I had 200m to go. To reach the top, the snow prevented me from taking the necessary equipment - crampons and ice ax -.
Mount Taranaki - The best time to reach the top without equipment is in January, February and March. The rest of the year, it is most likely snowy and more dangerous or complicated.
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| Mount Taranaki |
The best way to know what the risks are before ascending is to go to the visitor center located in the same place from where the tracks start, there you can ask how far it is possible to climb and the weather forecast for that day. In addition, at the entrance you will find a blackboard where they offer you all the information and up to where it is safe to go up without equipment.
Mount Taranaki - It is best to check the weather a few days before to choose the best day of ascent. I did so and I was lucky enough to catch a cloudy day first thing in the morning but it cleared throughout the day to allow me to enjoy the incredible views.