Best Brutal Stair Climbs
You’ve got to love a punishing stair climb. It’s not just the challenge or the workout, the views are usually spectacular.
We asked our social followers to name the most brutal stair climb they’ve tackled. The question sparked hundreds of comments across Facebook and Instagram, and no shortage of passionate debate. Differences aside, here are the top 10 most-mentioned tracks, plus an honourable mention.
1. Sealy Tarns Track, Aoraki/Mount Cook
Hands down, this was the undisputed winner. And it’s no surprise, with about 2,000 steps (a 520 m ascent) to reach Sealy Tarns. Although graded easy, this doesn’t reflect the level of fitness required for this track, which takes about 4 hours return. From the tarns, you can continue on the advanced Mueller Hut Route for a two-hour rugged climb through tussock and boulders (but no stairs!) to the iconic red Mueller Hut.
Before you go, watch our Mueller Hut Route safety video.
Credit: Gabriela M, Plan My Walk2. Kaiaraara Track to Maunga Hirakimatā/Mt Hobson, Aotea/Great Barrier Island
While ranked second on our list of thigh-burning climbs, this track is partially closed following Cyclone Gabrielle. You can still reach Maunga Hirakimatā on the South Fork Track as part of the multi-day Aotea Track. There aren’t as many stairs, but you’ll still get a decent workout to the 627 m summit and amazing 360 degree views. Make sure you don’t get caught out by track closures –always check Plan My Walk for any alerts before a trip.
3. Hump Ridge Track, Fiordland
This 63 km, 3-day loop track is known for its stairs and boardwalks. Day 1 is the most punishing, with a steep climb to the highest point on the track – Okaka Lodge at 1,000 m. The latest track to get Great Walk status, the Tuatapere/Hump Ridge has the option to helicopter your pack to the lodge!
Credit: Emma Howis, Plan My Walk
4. Panitahi and Syme Hut Track, Taranaki
There are not only multiple stairs on the way to Panitahi (formerly Fanthams Peak), but you’ll also need to contend with steep scoria slopes. It’s about 4 km (or 3 hours) to the 1,966 m summit and the 10-bunk Syme Hut. Stay the night and enjoy a stunning sunset on a fine evening.
Credit: Steve Canham, Plan My Walk
5. Kauaeranga Kauri Trail (Pinnacles Walk), Coromandel
This 6 km walk to the 80-bed Pinnacles Hut (582 m) involves plenty of stairs – constructed from both wood and rock. Those continuing on to the summit (759 m) get the added bonus of ladders and rungs that have been embedded in the rock. The round trip to the hut should take about 6 hours and makes an excellent overnight tramp for families.
6. Mangorei Track to Pouākai tarns, Taranaki
This popular track on Taranaki Maunga climbs steadily up wooden steps to the 16-bunk Pouākai Hut. As with all climbs, the rewards are great – a short walk from the hut are views over the majestical Ahukawakawa Swamp and the Pouākai Tarns, which are famous for their reflection of the maunga. This walk forms part of the Pouākai Circuit.
7. Taranaki Maunga Summit Track, Taranaki
The most challenging tramp in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki, this route to the summit not only includes many stairs, but also a long, exposed
scree slope followed by a steep rocky climb, known as The Lizard.
8. Karamatura–Ōmanawanui Track, West Auckland
Described as a “leg killer” in a Plan My Walk review, this track has hundreds of steep steps that sidle up the hillside. The rewards are huge, with stunning views, Whatipū Beach and caves to explore.This 12 km point-to-point track takes around 9 hours return. For a shorter option, consider Ōmanawanui Track.
Credit: Mike Savage
9. Paekākāriki Escarpment Track, Kāpiti
Looking for a steep stair climb close to Wellington? You can’t go past the Paekākāriki Escarpment Track. As well as multiple sets of stairs, there are two awesome swing bridges! For the full up-hill stair experience, start in Pukerua Bay and walk north to Paekākāriki, and then catch the train back. This 10 km point-to-point walk takes about 3-4 hours.
10. Mount Manaia Track, Whangārei Heads
It’s a steady climb on a well-maintained track to the summit of this sacred maunga. The route is 4 km there and back and takes about 2 hours. And the stairs? According to Plan My Walk reviews:
- “Lots of stairs but that means you're at the top quicker! Loved it.”
- “Stairs were a work-out, but the views were well worth it.”
- “Lots and LOTS of stairs to get up but the views are wonderful.”
- “Difficult steep walk, about 1,070 stairs up, but worth it for the view.”
Honourable mention: Hakarimata Summit Track, Waikato
With 1,349 steps to the summit of Hakarimata (374 m), it’s not surprising there was an outcry when this track wasn’t included in the top 10. At the summit, the track connects with the longer Hakarimata Walkway, which follows the length of the Hakarimata Range.
This article was first published on stuff.co.nz