You need special skills and preparation to climb Mt Taranaki from May to December. There are increased risks from snow, ice, avalanche terrain, bad weather and sub-zero temperatures.
Track standard: Route
Track surface: Track is covered in snow and very icy in sections. Track is not marked.
Suitable for: People with mountaineering skills, equipment and experience. You must:
- have the equipment and skills to prevent a slide on icy terrain
- know where avalanches are a risk and be able to rescue someone if an avalanche occurs
- have the clothing for sub-zero temperatures and be able to survive if the weather gets worse.
Prepare for a long, challenging day
Allow 9 hours to complete the climb. There are between 9 and 11 hours of daylight in winter, so leave early enough to complete the trip before it gets dark. Always take a head torch.
Be prepared to turn back if conditions are no longer safe or if your progress is too slow.
Dress for cold, windy and icy conditions
On a fine day, the summit of Mt Taranaki can be at least 20°C colder than New Plymouth and 10° colder than the start of the track – subtract another 2°C for every 10 km/h of wind: eg, when it’s 15°C (50°F) in New Plymouth, a fine day at the summit will be about -5°C.
Conditions can change quickly. Layer your clothes to trap warm air in and keep cold wind out. Start with a base layer of polypropylene/merino, add an insulation layer of fleece/wool and finish with a waterproof shell layer.
Expect ice on the track between April and November/December. A helmet, crampons and ice axe are essential, as is competency using them. The main cause of death on Mount Taranaki is slipping on ice.
Be avalanche alert
Avalanches are a hazard. Know the avalanche forecast. Take an avalanche transceiver, avalanche probe and snow shovel, and be competent using them.
Take these essentials
- Plenty of drinking water and food.
- Waterproof jacket and pants, hat, gloves, sunscreen, and warm, layered clothing
- Sturdy tramping or mountaineering boots
- Crampons, ice axe and helmet
- Avalanche transceiver, avalanche probe and snow shovel
- Mobile phone, personal locator beacon (PLB), head torch and spare batteries
- Map, compass and/or GPS
Note, there is nowhere in Taranaki to hire alpine equipment - bring your own or hired alpine equipment.
Make a plan
Talk with someone at the Egmont National Park Visitor Centre who knows the current conditions.
Check the latest:
Know the route.
Mt Taranaki in winter
Image: Tim Weston ©
Mt Taranaki in winter
Image: Tim Weston ©
Understand if you are ready for the Taranaki Maunga Summit Climb
Watch the NZ Mountain Safety Council’s walk-through video which takes you through how to prepare for this track. Including facilities, key decision points, hazards and typical conditions for the area.