Mt. Taranaki — Attraction in North Island

This destination was relatively unknown to New Zealand visitors. This changed some years ago when a LonelyPlanet auditor named this as number two destination of that year. So the tourists started to visit Mount Taranaki. To reach the pond you see in the picture, allow 2-2,5 hours of steep uphill trekking and for descending allow around 1,5-2 hours. This is a stratovolcano with elevation of 2500m approximately and the pond you see in the photo is located at 1250m. So what you see is half of the volcano. Also the pond you see is not bigger than your living room. It is the perspective of the photo that’s makes it looks vast. If you don’t want to ascend and descend on the same day you can sleep overnight in the nearby Hut (reservation required). In that case bring your own dinner and water and also sleeping bags as it can get really chilly up here. I drove here from Auckland, so add in the times mentioned before a ten hour drive from Auckland (both ways). The views I had and the amazing sunset colors made it worthy. I would be really disappointed if I came here and the only thing that I would see was clouds. I guess I was really lucky. The weather at this height can change rapidly within a few hours. Sometimes locals don’t see the mountain for days because it is covered with clouds. If you are thinking that this is the perfect spot to fly a drone, YES you are right but you will be disappointed to find out that flying a drone is forbidden at all conservation areas. But since this spot is literally in the middle of nowhere, the possibilities to get caught are minimum! Up to you if you take the risk or not!! Despite the distance and the trekking included, I highly recommend this place to all my friends visiting...

Mount Taranaki is an incredible place to explore and hike. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a beginner, you'll find something to enjoy on this magnificent mountain.

From the base to the summit, the scenery is breathtaking. The forests are lush and green, with stunning views of the surrounding valleys. As you climb higher, you'll be rewarded with even more spectacular vistas, including panoramic views of the Tasman Sea and the surrounding landscape.

The trails are well-maintained and clearly marked, making it easy to navigate even the more challenging sections. There are plenty of rest stops along the way, where you can catch your breath and take in the views. And if you need a break, there's always a nice spot to sit down and soak in the sights and sounds of nature.

One thing that really stood out to me was the diversity of plant and animal life. From towering trees to colorful wildflowers, there's always something new and interesting to see and learn about. And keep an eye out for the local birdlife, like the Tui and the Kereru.

Overall, Mount Taranaki is an amazing destination that I would highly recommend. Whether you're looking for a challenging hike or a leisurely stroll, there's something for everyone. So pack your hiking boots and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in one of New Zealand's most spectacular...

It's such a spectacular and great hike of Aotearoa. Heaps of parking at the visitor center. Walk starts off fairly easy on a 4x4 gravel road. Once it starts to go uphill, it never stops unfortunately😅 you'll reach the tower where there is a toilet, and then just after that, you'll reach the Tahurangi Lodge. From here, the track goes into a ruff and ruggered pathway going up rocks etc before getting to the start of the steps. Making your way to the top of the stairs then becomes the hardest part of the hike is the scree area it's like sand taking one step up and two back😅 (tip: take gloves) use gloves so you can bear crawl up most of this area as its easier. Once you conquer the scree area, you start to rock climb (again, gloves come in handy) as the rocks/mountain get hot on a sunny day and by this part of the hike you need to use your hands to give the legs a hand😅 once you overcome the climbing the you get to the base of the summit where you walk across snow before walking the last part to the summit where you get 360° of spectacular views and also can see Mt Ruapehu, Mt Ngauruhoe and Tongariro in...