Tag Archive for: Mountains

Full moon over the Kaikoura Peninsula

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Full moon over the Kaikoura Peninsula

Kaikoura is well-known as a spot for whale watching or swimming with dolphins, as a cold current from the south mixes with the warmer waters of the Pacific here, creating an excellent food source for these mammals. The tip of the Kaikoura Peninsula is home to a seal colony and many birds. Right behind the coast, the Seaward Kaikoura Range rises up with peaks reaching 2600m. Sir Edmund Hillary once prepared for his Everest ascent here. Much easier, however, is the hike to the cosy Mt Fyffe Hut, where I enjoyed this great view, a hot tea by the wood burner, and good company and conversation late into the night.

The Remarkables mountain range, Otago

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View of the Remarkables from Coronet Peak, South Island New Zealand

From the road to Coronet Peak, which is home to one of New Zealand’s most famous ski resorts, the view opens up across to the Remarkables, whose striking silhouette leaves a lasting impression on every visitor to Queenstown. They flank the deep blue Lake Wakatipu and are bordered to the north by the ruggedly beautiful Kawarau Gorge. In recent years, this region has become increasingly well-known for the excellent produce of its wineries.

Mt. Angelus, Angelus Hut and Robert’s Ridge

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The early start from the hut in the dark, the icy air, the crunch of frozen snow under crampons, and the mystical twilight make the pre-sunrise ascent to Mt. Angelus in Nelson Lakes National Park an exhilarating experience. I was also rewarded with panoramic views over Angelus Hut and the lakes, Kahurangi National Park, and Nelson Bay on the horizon. Weather permitting, you absolutely shouldn’t miss the scenic route over Robert’s Ridge on your way back to Lake Rotoaira and St. Arnaud – it’s an absolute highlight.

Taranaki greets Tongariro

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Mt. Taranaki, seen from Tongariro National Park

After a rainy day in Tongariro National Park, the cloud cover broke just before sunset, offering this view from the Mangatepopo Hut of the brother volcano Taranaki in the west of the North Island. As we were on the high plateau in the centre of the North Island, the view extended to the 100 km distant brother volcanoes of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe, and Tongariro. Naturally, none of the over 50 hikers, who were numerous at the Mangatepopo Hut and campsites this Easter weekend, missed this magnificent greeting. The hut is located at the start of the Tongariro Crossing, the spectacular hike through the volcanic landscape of Tongariro National Park, and is also the best starting point for ascending the summit of Ngauruhoe.

Aoraki (Mt Cook), Cook Range and Burnett Mountains

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Aoraki (Mt Cook), Southern Alps New Zealand

From the Mueller Hut in Mt Cook National Park, you get this view across the mountain ranges flanking the Tasman Glacier, crowned by Aoraki (Mt Cook), New Zealand’s highest mountain (3,751m). As the westerly drift hits the main divide of the South Island head-on with clouds and rain, you can experience extreme weather changes here in a very short time.

Mt Taranaki, Egmont National Park

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Taranaki, Egmont National Park, North Island, New Zealand

Taranaki is a sacred place for the Māori, who used to bury their chiefs there and pray to the souls of their ancestors. In their mythology, Taranaki—also known as Mt Egmont—once lived peacefully with the other volcanoes in the centre of the island. They were all men, except for Pihanga, a mountain clothed in green forests. They all desired her as a wife, and consequently, a fierce battle for her favour broke out. In the end, Tongariro defeated his rivals and forced them to leave. Taranaki wandered west towards the sea. On a magical journey by night, he carved out the Whanganui River. Legends say that when his summit is shrouded in clouds, he is weeping. One of the best panoramas can be found from nearby Lake Mangamahoe with its subtropical vegetation.

On the summit of Ruapehu

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Mt. Ruapehu Crater, Tongariro National Park, New Zealand

At 2,797 m, the active volcano Ruapehu is the highest mountain on New Zealand’s North Island and a prominent highlight of the Tongariro National Park visible from afar. The climb to the summit is a demanding trek from the Turoa ski area over scree, ice, and loose rock, leading to an impressive view across the entire North Island and the apocalyptic crater. Before the 1995/96 eruptions, the crater was filled with a turquoise lake; after the eruption, it became a steaming mud hole. It’s advisable to book a guide, as several climbers die in avalanches or falls every year. The ascent via the Whakapapa ski area to the geological research station is easier.