We know that you will enjoy your climb to the summit of our unique mountain, but please take care. Ensure weather conditions are stable, particularly if you are from Europe, as our weather can change rapidly unlike yours. The best place to start your summit climb is from the Mountain House. You can stay with us and enjoy all the luxuries before and after your climb, such as a sauna, hot spa,
cool beer, a good meal and well earned sleep at night.

To climb to the summit from East Egmont, there are two routes. Namely from Plateau straight up the ski field and north of the East Ridge or over the "round the mountain track" to Tahurangi and up on the north side. If you are reading this, you are either inexperienced or a stranger to the mountain, therefore we do NOT recommend the East route mainly for the reason should cloud come in, the route is not well defined.

NORTH ROUTE: These notes are recommended for summer only and can vary timewise. Use experienced guides in winter.
Mountain Guides:
Top Guides 0800 448 433 www.topguides.co.nz
Ian Mcalpine 06 751 3542
Chris Prudden 06 758 8261

Leave the Mountain House and proceed to the Plateau (end of the road). Enter the gate at the top end of the carpark and walk up the access road to the ski field. The "round the mountain" track leaves on the mountain side of the ski patrol building (first tower of the "T" bar) heading north to Tahurangi Lodge. Above the Tahurangi Lodge proceed up the steps and you're on your way to the summit. The walk from the ski field to Tahurangi is mainly through tussock country with spectacular views and easy going. The rest is in three sections. From Tahurangi the first section is the "steps"  more then 906 of them! Next comes the scoria section and finally the more easy rocks which lead to the crater and then on to the summit.

THE TIME IT TAKES: Route times given below were based on a family of four, the children being
8 and 10 years. parents of average fitness. (Age not disclosed!)

To summit - 5 hours, return - 3 hours, Total - 8 hour

GOING UP: From Plateau to Tahurangi       1.30                       Tahurangi to top of steps             40                       From steps to end of scoria     1.20                       Rocks to crater edge                1.00                       Crater edge to summit                 30                                                                           -------                       Total  hours                                5.00 RETURN HOME:    Crater to scoria          1.00                                     To top of steps              30                                     To Tahurangi                 20                                     Back to Plateau         1.10                                                                          -------                                    Total   hours                 3.00

Have warm clothing, wet weather gear, hats and gloves and above all good sturdy footwear. You need plenty to eat and lots to drink. There is no more water beyond the ski field.

Have an enjoyable climb, don't take risks, watch for weather change  and a safe trip home. It will be a hard but memorable day.

DON'T FORGET TO GET YOUR SIGNED SUMMIT CLIMB CERTIFICATE FROM THE MOUNTAIN HOUSE.