Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Taranaki, Whanganui &
Around Wellington
Why Go?
Trampers often overlook the southern half of the North Island. This may be because its most
dramatic feature - the near-perfect cone of Mt Taranaki - is well off the beaten track, as is the
largely impenetrable Whanganui National Park. Another highlight, the Tararuas, have a repu-
tation for being wet and challenging. In these places, however, lie the roots of New Zealand
tramping. Egmont National Park was NZ's second national park, created in 1900, and the
country's first tramping club was formed in Wellington in 1919.
The tracks across these regions are well established and diverse, from alpine, lowland, wet-
land and forest. Most are also lightly used, which means solitude is pretty much guaranteed.
In this chapter we present just a few of the region's tramps, in the most high-profile loca-
tions. Other worthy wilderness areas to explore include Rimutaka and Aorangi Forest Parks,
and amazing Kapiti Island, where you can enjoy day tramps among prolific bird life.
When to Go
The weather in the southern half of the North Island varies greatly, but one common trait
across the region is the possibility of ugly weather. In the high-altitude areas of Egmont Na-
tional Park, the Ruahines and the Tararuas the weather can change in a matter of hours, with
blue skies obliterated by raging storms that can bring white-outs and freezing temperatures. If
you want to explore the peaks, aim to visit between November and April, although be pre-
pared for bad weather at any time of year.
Whanganui National Park has a mild climate with few extremes, and an occasional dusting
of frost and snow on high ridges in winter. It can therefore be tramped at any time of year.
Best Huts
A
Pouakai Hut (
Click here
)
A
Syme Hut (
Click here
)
