One of the most popular activities in the park involves climbing Mount Egmont/Taranaki, however it is dangerous and over 60 people have died attempting it. The best time to climb is January–March when there is very little snow on the mountain. The ascent can be done in one day with the return climb taking 8–10 hours.
The Mount Taranaki Summit Track is the main route up the mountain, which departs from the North Egmont carpark outside the Egmont National Park Visitor Centre.
The climb can be broken into two sections: the hike to Tahurangi Lodge, followed by the steeper climb up the scree slopes of the mountain. Once you’re at the summit, you will need to climb back down again.
Egmont National Park Visitor Centre (946m)–Tahurangi Lodge (1492m) (4km, 1½–2 hours)
From the National Park Visitor Centre, the track follows a boardwalk before following a gravel Tahurangi Translator Road to the Tahurangi Lodge. The lodge is privately-owned but there is a public toilet near the lodge and a small shelter room at the lodge in case you need to take shelter from the rain.
Tahurangi Lodge (1492m)–the summit (2518m) (2.3km, 3–4 hours)
After passing the lodge, follow the poled route through the Hongi Valley and then make your way up the steep scoria slopes towards the Lizard (2134m) which leads towards the crater.
There is ice in the crater year round. You will need crampons (and possibly an ice axe) if you want to cross the crater.
Allow 5–6 hours for the climb up and another 3–4 hours for the climb back down.