Mt Taranaki holds iconic status for Kiwis. Meenakshi Rao talks to climber, rescuer Jeremy Becker to give you an insight into an unsung but stunning region of New Zealand
What kind of tourists visit Mt TaranakiIJ
Mostly those who are fit and many on their second or third visit to NZ. Often they have had Taranaki recommended to them by another traveller they met elsewhere who raved about this place.
What does Mt Taranaki hold for youIJ
Mt Taranaki is hugely important to me. It affects the lives of all in this region. It has a substantial impact on our weather. To me, it’s a great playground filled with beauty. We are so blessed to live 20 minutes from the Egmont National Park.
Whats company Top Guides is all aboutIJ
Top Guides is owned by three friends and I who met through their involvement with the local search and rescue organisation. We bought an existing owner-operator guiding business and using our diverse range of skills, built a felxible and friendly business.
New Zealand is the adventure capital of the world. Where would you rank mountain climbing at Mt TaranakiIJ
Mt Taranaki is New Zealand’s icon, a lonely volcano rising out of the rugged west coast. Quite possibly the toughest one-day hike in the country, mountaineers know that a 1600m vertical ascent and descent in one day is a huge challenge. The summit climb is a challenge that is achievable but not be taken lightly.
How is the Mt Taranaki experience different from Mt CookIJ
Mt Taranaki is an achievable trekking peak at 2518m. Aoraki Mt Cook is a technical 3724m climbing peak that should only be attempted by experienced climbers.
Can you list top three activities around the goblin forestIJ
Photography, walk a swing bridge, study the diverse fauna and flora, from moss and lichens on the forest floor to flowering orchards amongst the tree canopy. We’ve even assisted with an international fashion shoot, although that’s not common.
How many times have you gone up the mountainIJ
I stopped counting summit climbs a long time ago but I’d say at least 300 summits from numerous directions and locations. Winter summits are fantastic with textured snow, stunning ice formations, ice climbing opportunities and 360o views. The cold temperature allows clear views. The summit is a great place to enjoy a fantastic sunset or sunrise. In summer, the main route up is busy but for with local knowledge there are numerous opportunities to have the mountain to yourself for hiking, rock climbing and hidden waterfalls.
Any anecdotes about guiding people up and down TaranakiIJ
I’ll never forget one summit trip where I was assisting a group that included a woman with terminal cancer. I spent much of the day with her so, conversing. She reached the summit without difficulty. It was a privilege to share a day with someone so incredibly positive and wanting to fit as much as possible in every day she had. It’s great to share a day with people who are on the mountain for the first time. To see their reaction to the beauty is refreshing. It’s a good reminder that what we have here is special.
Any Indians come for climbingIJ
We are seeing more Indian family groups visiting the mountain over the last two years, maybe not hiking in great numbers yet though the Pouakai crossing hike will be a great option for all.