Fanthams Peak-Panitahi and Syme Hut Track
Image: Sean Thomson | Creative Commons
Fanthams Peak/Panitahi and Syme Hut Track
Located in Dawson Falls area and Egmont National Park in the Taranaki region
Introduction
On a clear day this tramp offers great views up the mountain and down to the Taranaki Ring Plain and the coastline.Track overview
Dog access
About this track
Description
This challenging tramp climbs through forest to Hillary Seat. From here it continues uphill past Hooker Shelter (1140 m) and the turnoff to Kapuni Lodge before ascending a staircase to reach steep scoria slopes. Snow poles mark the route to Fanthams Peak/Panitahi (1,966 m) and Syme Hut.
Getting there
The track starts from the road end at Dawson Falls.
In Stratford, turn off SH23 into Celia Street, which becomes Opunake Road. Follow this for 14 km, then turn right into Manaia Road and travel 9 km up the mountain to Dawson Falls visitor centre.
History and culture
Known as Panitahi by Māori, Fanthams Peak was named after Fanny Fantham who was the first European woman to climb the peak in 1887.
Syme Hut was named after local mountain climbing pioneer Rod Syme.
Know before you go
This route is exposed and not recommended in ice and snow unless an experienced mountaineer.
Weather on the mountain changes rapidly – you must be well prepared with suitable clothing and equipment for all weather and conditions.
Snow, high rainfall and storm damage can make tracks impassable – many rivers and streams are unbridged.
Check the Egmont National Park weather forecast before you go.
Dawson Falls Visitor Centre is open reduced hours: Thursday – Sunday 9am – 4pm; 7 days a week during school holidays, 9am – 4pm.
Contacts
| Dawson Falls Visitor Centre | |
| Phone: | +64 27 443 0248 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | egmontvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
Manaia Rd Egmont National Park |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 462 New Plymouth 4340 |
| Full office details | |
| Egmont National Park Visitor Centre | |
| Phone: | +64 6 756 0990 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | egmontvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
2879 Egmont Rd Egmont National Park |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 462 New Plymouth 4340 |
| Full office details | |