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 (all confirmed hut bookings)

More can join, but may need to bring tents or arrange huts themselves.

Medium (M): 10 people (all confirmed hut bookings)

Cost & Payments

Trip Cost:  Camphouse Bunk  $240 (Thurs night)  $212 Sleep in bus Thurs night) 

Bookings are limited; spots are only confirmed on  approval of the Health & Safety Officer.

Deposit: $100 required after receipt of invoice and  due 23 December

Final Payment Due: 23 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 (bookings confirmed for 16)

Kapuni Lodge – Egmont Alpine Club (bookings confirmed for 16)

Holly Hut – DOC serviced hut (bookings confirmed for 16)

Optional Thursday Night – Camphouse (bookings confirmed for 12)

*Basic bunks – bring bedding

*Kitchen gear supplied – bring tea towels & soap

*Bathrooms + heated lounge

*Bus sleeping option for 4 persons 

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 (12 ) or sleep on the bus (4)

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

Leave packs for optional side missions:

• Pouakai Tarn & Hut (4 hrs return)
• Bells Falls (2 hrs return)

Overnight: Holly Hut

Medium Party (M)

Continue to Dawson Falls road end (54 mins)

• 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 (weather dependent) 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: climb to Syme Hut

Overnight: Kapuni Lodge

Medium Party (M)

• Tahurangi Lodge → ATM → Holly Hut (~3 hrs)
• Optional: Drop packs and head to Poutaki Hut and Tarns (4 hours return)

Overnight: Holly Hut

MONDAY 9 FEB – Exit + Return Home

Medium/Fit Party (M/F)

• Return to Dawson Falls road end and pick up bus

Collect M group and returns to Auckland

ETA: approx. 6:00 PM

Medium Party (M)

• Holly Hut, leave packs and day trip to Bell Falls (2 hours return) 
• Return to Holly Hut and collect packs 
• Descend to Kaiauai Carpark via Kokowai Track (3-3.5 hours)
• 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 (responds better to texts)

Bus Driver: TBC

Cost & Payments

Trip Cost: $240 (Camphouse) $212 (Bus)

Bookings are limited; spots are only confirmed on  approval of the Health & Safety Officer.

Deposit: $100 after receipt of invoice and  due 23 December

Final Payment Due: 23 January 2026