Return to Taranaki 5–9 February 2026
Our long-awaited return to the 'Naki since our successful 2022 trip
Start: Thu 5 Feb 2026 – 6:30 PM
End: Mon 9 Feb 2026 – approx. 6:00 PM
Departure: Como Street Carpark, Takapuna
Holiday Alignment
Fri 6 Feb – Waitangi Day (public holiday)
Mon 9 Feb – Normal workday → requires 1 day annual leave
Group Sizes
Medium/Fit (M/F): 6 people with confirmed hut bookings
More can join, but may need to bring tents or arrange huts themselves.
Medium (M): 10 people with confirmed hut bookings
Cost & Payments
Trip Cost: $240 per person (both groups)
Bookings are limited; spots are only confirmed on approval of the Health & Safety Officer.
Deposit: $50 required after receipt of invoice and due 21 December
Final Payment Due: 15 January 2026
Overview
We’re heading back to Mt Taranaki for the first time since our successful January 2022 expedition.
This 5-day adventure explores alpine ridgelines, native forest, cliffs, waterfalls, tarns, and open volcanic terrain. Two groups (M/F and M) will walk the Around the Mountain Track (ATM) in opposite directions, crossing mid-trip and meeting at Tahurangi Lodge for a possible summit attempt — weather permitting.
All details may be refined closer to February 2026.
Accommodation (Subject to reconfirmation)
Tahurangi Lodge – Taranaki Alpine Club
Kapuni Lodge – Egmont Alpine Club
Holly Hut – DOC serviced hut
Optional Thursday Night – Camphouse or sleep in bus
Basic bunks – bring bedding
Kitchen gear supplied – bring tea towels & soap
Bathrooms + heated lounge
ITINERARY — February 2026
THURSDAY 5 FEB – Travel to Taranaki
6:30 PM departure from Takapuna (or earlier if everyone agrees)
Drive to North Egmont
Overnight at The Camphouse or sleep on the bus - select preferred option on booking.
FRIDAY 6 FEB – Waitangi Day
Medium/Fit Party (M/F)
Medium group drops off M/F at Kaiauai Carpark
- Follow Kōkōwai Track → Holly Hut Track → Holly Hut (3–3.5 hrs)
- Drop packs at Holly Hut
Optional side trips:
- Pouakai Tarn & Hut (4 hrs return)
- Bells Falls (2 hrs return)
Overnight: Holly Hut
Medium Party (M)
Continue to Dawson Falls road end
- Climb to Kapuni Lodge (1–1.5 hrs)
- Weather permitting: side trip to Syme Hut / Fanthams Peak
Overnight: Kapuni Lodge
SATURDAY 7 FEB
Medium/Fit Party (M/F)
- Holly Hut → ATM across Dieffenbach Cliffs, Razorback, Ambury Bluff, Boomerang Slip → Tahurangi Lodge (~3 hrs)
Weather permitting:
- Summit attempt via The Lizard (~5 hrs return)
If summit not possible:
- Alternative loop: Holly Hut Track → North Egmont VC → Maketawa Hut → The Puffer → Tahurangi Lodge
Overnight: Tahurangi Lodge
Medium Party (M)
Explore Dawson Falls area:
- Power Station
- Kapuni Loop
- Wilkies Pools → Main Ridge Track
- Climb via Manganui Gorge Track to Tahurangi Lodge
Overnight: Tahurangi Lodge
SUNDAY 8 FEB – Crossover Day
Medium/Fit Party (M/F)
- If summit wasn’t possible Saturday → early morning attempt
- Continue ATM to Dawson Falls
- Optional: afternoon climb to Syme Hut
Overnight: Kapuni Lodge
Medium Party (M)
- Tahurangi Lodge → ATM → Holly Hut (~3 hrs)
- Optional: Bells Falls (2 hrs return)
Overnight: Holly Hut
MONDAY 9 FEB – Exit + Return Home
Medium/Fit Party (M/F)
- Return to Dawson Falls Visitor Centre
Bus collects M group and returns to Auckland
ETA: approx. 6:00 PM
Medium Party (M)
- Holly Hut → Ahukawakawa Track → Pouakai Hut
- Side trip to Pouakai Tarns
- Descend to Mangorei Road end
- Meet bus around midday and return to Auckland approx. 6.00pm
NOTES
Trip details, hut allocations, and costs may change as February 2026 approaches.
Full alpine storm gear is mandatory.
Contacts
Organiser: Anthony Rola – 021 090 67939
Bus Driver: TBC
Cost & Payments
Trip Cost: $240 per person (both groups)
Bookings are limited; spots are only confirmed on approval of the Health & Safety Officer.
Deposit: $50 required after receipt of invoice and due 21 December
Final Payment Due: 15 January 2026
