Summer

Manganui Gorge track summer walk

time: one hour return
access:  from Stratford Plateau car park

Follow the metalled track that starts by the big wooden gates at the top of the car park to the flying fox goods lift and lookout over the Manganui Gorge, where views of the Taranaki plains are expansive.
The walk really feels like mountain territory as you pass through the tunnel, constructed to provide safety from the rock debris falling off the bluff above. There then follows numerous signs warning you of the dangers in the Manganui Gorge.
In winter this is an avalanche path/runout, and snow up to 10m deep can build up. In summer, rock falls can occur at any time. This is not a place to loiter or play. Keep walking and be aware of what's happening above you.
The raw mountain scenery continues to the Public Shelter, situated to your right as you step on the ski field. The large room and toilets (below) at the public shelter can be a welcome respite from the biting wind. Above, patches of snow linger through the summer months and rise through sombre scree slopes to the summit. Prominent lava bluffs include the Ngarara Bluffs, Warwick Castle and The Policeman.

Points of interest:

• The Policeman is a prominent lava bluff above the ski area to the north, which is derived from the same lava flow as the Sharks Tooth near the summit.
• The Ngarara bluffs dominate the east and are another example of large lava flows that have been exposed by the erosion of overlying sediment.
• The lava flows associated with Warwick Castle and Humphries Castle were derived from the eruption 20,000 years ago. The shattered remains are severely eroded remnants of the solidified flows. As water permeates through cracks and fissures in the structure, the action of freeze-thaw weathering peels off fragments of rock, diminishing the height of the structure. When compared to photographs of old, Humphries Castle is clearly lower in height, demonstrating the rapid rate at which weathering occurs in the harsh environment.

source: Day Walks of Taranaki by Marios Gavalas

Manganui is an exciting place to visit during the ski season however there are many reasons to visit during the summer too!

You can come and stay in our lodge throughout the summer. The lodge can be used as a base to see the surrounds and we also cater for groups who wish to have somewhere different as a destination.
[check out our Accommodation Page; for Manganui Lodge reservation enquiries, please use our booking enquiry form as a preference, or email bookings@skitaranaki.co.nz for further queries]

We are nestled at the edge of a unique tussock meadow within the the Egmont National Park, Taranaki, on the west coast of the North Island.

We can offer:

• A new high alpine lodge with amazing views and outdoor deck
• Sleeping for up to 33 people in high quality bunk rooms and private rooms
• Comfortable lodge space capable of seating about 30 people for dining or for conferences
• full kitchen/ dishwashing facilities
• Cleaning service after your stay as an optional extra
• Stunning native bush and mountain environment
• Walks on the famous Round the Mountain track
• Attractive rates

Click here for our Winter/Summer brochure (1.8Mb pdf)

Summer climbing on Mt. Taranaki

Mt. Taranaki offers a vast array of leisure opportunities. Snow lies permanently to 1400m in winter, and in summer steep snow fields give way to dramatic cliffs and rock bands with alpine meadows in full bloom.

The Stratford Plateau is a frequently used base for summer summit routes to the mountain.
A popular route uses the Round the Mountain Track and continues through the ski area past the ski patrol building heading north to Tahurangi Lodge. Above the Tahurangi Lodge proceed up the staircase and you're on your way to the summit. The walk from the ski field to Tahurangi Lodge is mainly easy going. The rest is in three sections. From Tahurangi the first section is the "staircase". Next comes the scoria section and finally the more easy rocks which lead to the crater and then on to the summit.
A route used by experienced trampers is by way of the Round the Mountain Track, walking to the upper Manganui Ski Area, then up to the right of East Ridge and via “The Chimney“.
This route is not for the faint hearted once above the ski area it is steep!
It is not well defined. A high level of fitness is required for this route. If in doubt, we strongly recommend you use the services of a Mountain Guide.
(Winter is full-on mountaineering - with ice axes, crampons, ropes, experience etc. a neccessity).

It goes without saying, but for summer climbing you will need as a minimum - tramping / trekking boots, raincoat or weather proof jacket, over trousers, woollen or synthetic jersey, long trousers (track pants or long johns (not jeans) warm shirt, sun hat, gloves or mittens, sunglasses, sun protection block, plenty of food, at least 1.5 litres of drink. Also personal 1st aid kit. Camera. Cellphone. And a smile on the face!
And check the weather forecast - be aware of rapidly changing weather conditions.

NOTE - The mountain's easy access makes it attractive to inexperienced climbers, but the 2518m peak and surrounding terrain is the most deadly in New Zealand, with 80 deaths since 1891, when records began.

NOTE - There is always snow and ice in the crater and summit area. Care is needed.

Please remember:

• Protect plants and animals.
• Remove all rubbish.
• Bury toilet waste.
• Consider other mountain users.
• Respect our cultural heritage.
• Enjoy your visit.
• Toitu te whenua (leave the land undisturbed)

The summit area is a culturally sensitive area. Local Maori people refer the mountain as an ancestor, and top of the mountain is his head. The Iwi ask climbers not to climb on the "Summit Rock". Please respect their wishes.