The Roller-coaster Tramp with the Shy Mt. Taranaki
- Kim
- Oct 29, 2018
- 3 min read
It was very overdue but we have officially completed our first multi-day tramp in New Zealand!! Our legs are weary, our shoulders and hips are tight from the weight of our packs, and by the end essentially every inch of our bodies were exhausted, but at the same time we felt refreshed! Our minds became clearer and we experienced nature fully cleansing every part of our being. The views, the experience, and especially the unforgettable sunset and sunrise were 100% worth every bit of pain.
We completed the Pouakai Circuit in Egmont National Park which is a trail that takes you along-side the very impressive Mt. Taranaki. This mountain is actually an active volcano (and due to erupt :/ ) but we did not let this stop us!
The weather was not predicated to be the best, but we decided to take a chance on it and I am so glad we did! We had a mix of sunshine and clouds and did not get rain until the last couple of hours. Mt. Taranaki was being shy for a lot of the journey and kept hiding behind clouds. He did peak out a few times and give us some incredible views though!
On day 1 we clocked in 30,600 steps, 366 flights of stairs, and 8.7 miles. We stayed in the Pouakai Hut which was nestled in the mountains and only a short climb from the hut got us to spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The hut consisted of bunks and mattresses for sleeping, an area for cooking, and a wood-fire stove.
We soaked in an impressive sunset while enjoying the warmth by the fire. After a game of cribbage via candlelight we hit the hay so we could get up early and watch the sunrise from the overlook.
This was the best sunrise I have ever witnessed. We were completely engulfed into nature and the pure beauty around us created a calming and peace that I cannot explain and have not felt before. The colors were like none other and the reflections on the mountain tops and clouds were unreal. I captured some of the best images I have ever taken and they do not even give this sunrise a piece of the glory it deserves.
After taking in the spectacular colors we continued on our journey back to Waka. On day 2 we completed 23,000 steps, 200 flights of stairs, and 7.5 miles. We started by crossing a very unique swamp land which is home to some very unique plants that exist no where else in the world. Then we climbed to the summit of Mt Henry.
Unfortunately the clouds moved in before we reached the top and we did not get the view we were hoping for. After this we started a long decent down to the Kai Auahi riverbed. Luckily we were covered by New Zealand bush at this point because this is when the rain started. It was predicted to be rainy and windy the majority of our time so we counted ourselves pretty lucky that it held off as long as it did.
I call this a roller coaster tramp because it was constantly up and then down. Essentially none of the track was flat which is what made it so difficult but also exciting. We worked very hard for every step but each one brought us deeper in nature and closer together.
By the last few kilometers we were both very ready to be dry, warm, and done tramping. When we finally did make it back to the car park I nearly kissed Waka! I will just say the vanilla latte, salmon, and eventual ice cream was some of the best I have ever had :) It was quite the experience and something we hope to do more of! My muscles are still tight and sore but now the pain is a reminder of the incredible sights and this once in a lifetime experience we had. It was truly unforgettable and a wonderful start to our adventures here in the North Island.
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