This is a technically and physically demanding climb. For an easier walk with spectacular views, try the Mangorei Track to Pouakai Tarns.

Rising above the clouds, the 2518 m summit of this dormant volcano is a challenging 1.6 km vertical climb to the peak.

For non-mountaineers, the best time to climb the mountain is during January to April when the mountain is often clear of snow and ice, other than in the crater.

Stop in at the Visitor Centre before starting your climb, to discuss the weather and the latest track conditions.

Choose a turnaround time before you start your climb, to make sure you have enough daylight to get back down the mountain.

North Egmont (946 m) to Tahurangi Lodge (1,492 m)

Time: 1 hr 30 min – 2 hr
Distance: 4 km

From Taranaki / Egmont National Park Visitor Centre the Summit Climb follows the boardwalk up to a locked gate. Cross the stile and continue up the gravel Translator Road (walking access only) to the privately owned Tahurangi Lodge. Sections of this track are very steep.

There is a public toilet 100 m below the lodge and a small day shelter room at the lodge. Check the weather and how your group is feeling. The route gets much more difficult from here, so if you are already finding it hard or the weather is deteriorating, then it’s better to turn back.

Tahurangi Lodge to the summit (2,518 m)

Time: 3–4 hr
Distance: 2.3 km

The track passes in front of Tahurangi Lodge and continues upwards via the poled route through the rock-covered Hongi Valley. A series of steps leads out of the valley onto steep scoria (gravel) slopes.

Use the top of the stairs as another decision point. It is much more exposed to the weather here and the hardest sections are still ahead. Check your group is still feeling fit and confident, and assess the weather further up the mountain.

From here, the route climbs a long scoria slope. Be aware of rockfall through this area. 

Continue uphill to the Lizard (2134m), a prominent rocky ridge. Check the time before proceeding further – it is still 1.5-2 hours to the summit from the start of the Lizard. If it is later than you planned, it is better to enjoy the view and turn around at this point.

The Lizard involves climbing as well as tramping – you will need to use your hands to get around and over large rocks. Follow the orange poles to stay on the route.

From the top of the Lizard, a narrow rocky ledge leads down into the crater. It has a steep drop-off and can be icy at any time year – extreme caution required.

The route then crosses the crater ice to the final short climb up to the summit rock. There is ice in the crater all year round – crampons and/or an ice axe may be required to cross the crater at any time.

Respect the mountain: Do not stand directly on the summit peak, and do not camp, cook, toilet or litter in the summit area. Mounga Taranaki is a mauri, or life force and a spiritual tupuna or ancestor for Taranaki Māori.

Snow in the crater on Mt Taranaki

Descending Mt Taranaki