30.06 New Zealand: Mount Taranaki, while a spectacular volcano, nevertheless, a difficult, strenuous and dangerous ordeal.
Mount Taranaki from the Visitors' Centre. Less impressive than from a distance or when snow-covered. Nevertheless, it is awfully impressive. Some three months or so ago, we saw a picture of the volcano, Mount Taranaki. Frankly, it was a sight of magnificence, particularly with the prominent snow-covered cone. When we discovered it could be climbed (hiked is too general and easy a term), we made plans immediately to position ourselves close by during our sojourn on lower North Island. As we were going to be in Tongariro, we would be about 5-hours distant. Because of the road system in New Zealand, this seemingly small country appears rather ‘large’ and getting around it takes time and effort. Unlike in Europe and parts of America where mountain passes and tunnels shorten distances, the roads we have used tend to go around the mountains. The mountains are rather large, hence… (Continues at end...) Sunrise from an altitude of about 5,000 feet. Looking toward Mount Ngauruhoe...