What to take
It's essential to have suitable equipment, clothing and food for a safe and enjoyable experience on the Mount Taranaki Summit Climb.

Gear list

The weather in Taranaki is fast-changing and unpredictable, so always pack warm clothes and a waterproof raincoat.

Day hikes gear list

Also take:

  • 2 to 3 litres of water
  • walking poles
  • gaiters or putties – optional but stops scree going down your boots.

May to November/December: 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.