So, having done Ruapehu I had planned a day of rest, before going to do the Tongoriro crossing in the sun. This however didn't happen as I received a better offer...to drive across to Taranaki (south west corner of the north island - somewhere I'd not been yet) and still arrive in Auckland on the saturday...perfect...
So the next day, me and Carolin drove down the Forgotten Highway, through the republic of Wangamomona (getting our passports stamped), then on to the coast, where we saw Taranaki closer and some beautiful naked ladies in the setting sun...we had been watching Taranaki getting larger through the day, until you are in the area and it is always there.
Next day we drove round to North Egmont to start the summit climb. This is signposted as a 8 - 10 hour walk and we started at 1215. hmmm...it'll be fine. So, about 1 hour or so up a steep 4wd track to the phone mast, then another hour (or less) up an even steeper 4wd road, before climbing what one guy we met put as "the stairway to heaven". after this was a rocky valley head, before the staircase resumed, disappearing into the mist. Then came the killer...really steep scree/scoria as on Ruapehu, which was much steeper and harder to ascend than the photos show...1 steep forward, 2 steps slide back. (it was easier coming down of course!). After this, we had to climb a load of rocks/old lava flow to the top.
It was tough, but it was worth it, and despite the cloud coming across, like on Ruapehu, Taranaki is high enough that we came out above the clouds...amazing!!
And then, repeat in reverse to get down to the car and a well earned meal and sleep at about 7pm or something. Well done us!!
Next day was up to Auckland to meet Carolin's pal Hans (Super Hans) and onto bro's place for relaxing....
here's loads of photos, cos filtering them down got too much...
 |
| first glimpse of Mt Taranaki from the Forgotten Highway |
|
 |
| naked ladies in the setting sun |
 |
| view of our destination the evening before the climb |
 |
| that's where we are going |
 |
| first the steep 4wd road |
 |
| then the steeper section (steepness is not easy to get on photo) |
 |
| up to the aerial |
 |
| up the stairway to heaven, briefly interrupted by the Hongi Valley |
 |
| the Hongi Valley |
 |
| behind us while in the valley |
 |
| the stairway resumes |
 |
| and goes up |
 |
| past this |
 |
| and this |
 |
| looking behind while on the steps |
 |
| getting closer |
 |
| steep scoria |
 |
| and again |
 |
| slowly getting above the clouds |
 |
| up up up |
 |
| higher and more knackered |
 |
| it was great being up here! |
 |
| rock clambering for a 1 or 2 hours to finish |
 |
| long way down |
 |
| and again |
 |
| the final section (The Lizard) |
 |
| getting there... |
 |
| .... |
 |
| the crater ice |
 |
| finally made it! |
 |
| the way down |
 |
| near the top |
 |
| a ladybird on top of the mountain |
 |
| heading down |
 |
| pretty steep |
 |
| back into the mist by stair |
 |
| via the Hongi Valley |
 |
| looking back up the Hongi Valley |
 |
| Hongi Valley |
 |
| down the road |
 |
| and back for dinner |
