Roadtrip Day 17: Mt. Taranaki

Mt. Taranaki Summit, 2518 metres

Wow what a day! Clear skies as we headed over to the mountain early in the morning. It took us 3.5 hours to make it to the top. There are very few cutbacks in the trail so it's mostly walking/climbing straight up the mountain.

The first part of the track is up a STEEP access road to a translator mast and lodge, then from there you go up a ton of steps, and then on to the gravelly portion of the track which is really difficult because you slide backwards almost as much as you move forwards (and it also happens to be in cloud to little visibility), then the last part is a rocky area with a bit of climbing, which leads to the crater. Then across the crater (the only part with snow this time of year) and then up some more gravel and rocks to the summit.

We spent a half hour on top eating lunch and waiting for gaps in the clouds for views.

The way down took one hour less. The gravel part was a ton of fun as you're practically skiing down, floating on top of the light shifting rocks. We made it back down by about 4, which left us plenty of time to get back to the beach for some swimming, frisbeeing, and relaxing. Then some delicious fish and chips (plus corn fritters and pineapple rings!) for dinner.

Amazing day.