Syme Hut and Mt Taranaki | A Sherpa-Assisted Summer Ascent – WTMC A sherpa assisted summer Taranaki Maunga climb to Syme Hut then up the southern slopes towards the summit turns dramatic when a rescue helicopter arrives to lift three unknown stranded climbers leaving the party to retreat in difficult conditions. Read this true Kiwi mountaineering adventure of … Read more
On Friday night we ended up going to Waigongoro Hut, which was less than an hour from the road end to save us a chilly night camping. The track is reasonably straight forward with one creek crossing, which can be avoided by taking a slightly different track lower down from the carpark. It climbs gently … Read more
INTRODUCTION Breaking historical ground (as far as we know), Frances led the first WTMC Musical Tramp with expert skill and agility. The ‘genius’ behind this trip was in the detail: if either of the tramping or musical components had not been achievable – due to adverse weather, broken strings (including hamstrings), or an overcrowded hut … Read more
Dear Mt Taranaki, Such a tease! Forever sitting aloof and proud on the western side of the North Island, often half hidden behind mist and cloud, giving off strong hints of, but seldom revealing, your full splendour. We were hoping we might get lucky this time. Mid-week the forecast looked promising. By Friday night I … Read more