Part of the trip to Taranaki included the plan climb Mt Taranaki/Egmont. On Tuesday the 19th of March, we decided to make the call late the night before, that at 2am we would start the hike to the top of the Mountain from the Stratford plateau.
Mt Taranaki can be a little dangerous as it is an relatively easy climb and thus many people attempt to summit. Earlier in the year two people died when the weather changed and they were forced to seek shelter in a snow cave and were found dead by the rescue team a day or so later. Since records began 80+ deaths have occurred on Mt Taranaki.
After walking for about 1.5 hours at the top of the stairs we stopped for a drink and snack, everyone was looking happy as we started the scoria. It was hard going, not as fit as I should have been but good fun.
We reached the top by 6:35am and waited and took photos of the Sun rising, really amazing weather at the top, no wind to speak of and air temperature of around 5degC, magic.
Mt Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu, average as photography skills trying to get a level photo haha
Andrew enjoying the view. Curvature of the earth???
Michael happy about making it to the top.
Ruapehu with an aircraft just above.
At the Summit getting a snack and taking a few photos
The clouds flowing over the Pouakai ranges, you can see a small part of Ahukawakawa swamp in the bottom right corner or the photo.
The view as the sun rose, Sharks tooth in the foreground.
Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu with the rising sun
Ruapehu
Ruapehu and the sun
The Shadow of Mt Taranaki/Egmont as the sun rises, and you can see how dirty the sensor is on the camera
Pete getting some photos with the Pouakai's and Ahukawakawa swamp covered in a blanket of cloud.
Herb fields on the mountains flanks
Andrew and Wakeman and we descend the steps with Tahurangi lodge in the background
Wakeman
Pete and Andrew on the walk down to the translator
Fantastic Tramp, weather was amazing
Good Morning NZ!!
Good Morning NZ!!
