The East Ridge of Mt Taranaki offers a classic summer alpine scramble starting from the Stratford Plateau. This route guide covers everything from crossing the Manganui suspension bridge to navigating the Shark’s Tooth. The perfect rock scramble for any reasonably fit and competent hiker this photo-story breaks down the ascent, essential gear, and the descent via the Lizard.

The NZ Alpine Club route guide describes the East Ridge as an excellent summer or winter route and is easily discernible from the main highway descending due east from the Sharks Tooth. In summer it offers good rock under foot (alpine grade 1+) and in winter, excellent ice (alpine grade 2+).

This guide describes a summer climb starting from the Stratford Plateau carpark. The climb is suitable for any reasonably fit hiker who is comfortable scrambling up steep rock. The descent is best down the north side and the track from Tahurangi Lodge back to the carpark.

Although relatively straightforward it is a serious climb and safety is required. Helmets are very sensible as there is some loose rock that is easily sent flying by those above. There is no water or shelter so climbers need to be totally self-sufficient. There is mobile phone reception at all times.

A rare fine day at Mt Taranaki

What do trampers do after they have declared they are ‘all tramped-out’ after many trips over the previous six weeks of fine summer weather and they are then presented with a forecast for a further one-day window of perfect weather at a cool little mountain where fine days are rare?

Well – they just ditch any already made plans and go tramping of course.

So it was that a group of six somehow got organised enough to meet up at the East Egmont road end late Friday night and camp just wherever they could find.

The weather forecast was spot on and next day they climbed the east ridge in perfect conditions. They lunched on the top of the Sharks Tooth and then descended the northern route together with 120 others on the Taranaki Alpine Club’s Open Day Climb.

Top Tips:

1. Park your car at the Stratford Plateau carpark
2. Check you have adequate extra clothing (rain jacket etc), helmet, sun protection
3. Boots are not necessary – sturdy trail shoes are adequate
4. Follow the track to Manganui Ski Field crossing the new and impressive suspension bridge
5. You can fill up water bottles here – you will need enough for the whole day
6. Follow up the line of the T-bar ski lift and continue to the shed at the top of the upper rope tow.
7. Sidle north across the scoria and beneath the ‘’Policeman’’ (the rocky bluff above)
8. Then head up directly towards the Sharks Tooth following your own line
9. Head about 60m north along the ridge to a chimney with wire and metal stakes
10. Descend the chimney to the crater then climb to the actual summit (strongly suggested you stop short)
11. Descend the Lizard Route.