Extreme Caution Needed on Taranaki Maunga This Winter

Media Release

Following a rise in rescues on Taranaki Maunga, NZ Mountain Safety Council (MSC) is urging people to carefully assess whether they have the skills, experience and equipment needed before heading above the snowline.

Over Matariki weekend alone, four people were rescued on the mountain.

“The rescues over Matariki weekend are a timely reminder that Taranaki Maunga demands respect. The latest search and rescue data also shows a concerning rise in rescues,” says MSC Chief Executive Mike Daisley. “We’re urging people to take care. It’s critically important to have the appropriate skills, experience and equipment when heading into this alpine environment.”

The latest official search and rescue data, available to the end of March 2026, shows nine people were rescued while attempting the summit during the first three months of this year. By comparison, 12 people were rescued during 2024 and 11 people in 2025, when one person also died.

Taranaki Maunga has unique alpine weather. Strong winds, frequent freeze-thaw cycles, cloud and moisture combine to form hard, rime ice. This ice can become smooth, dense and impenetrable, offering very little grip for crampons or an ice axe. Wind can also strip away softer snow, leaving exposed ice in areas where climbers may not expect it.

"Conditions on the mountain are extremely hazardous right now, and even experienced climbers can get into difficulty,” says Daisley. “Recent rain, freezing temperatures and strong winds have formed a hard rime crust across the mountain, increasing the risk of an uncontrolled slide. Exposed rocks and cliffs mean that even a small slip or fall can have severe consequences. Rime ice is likely to persist throughout winter and requires people to exercise ongoing caution.”

People without alpine mountaineering experience should only consider attempting the summit between January and April via the Taranaki Maunga Summit Track, and only when there is no snow or ice.

“Once snow and ice are present, the summit becomes a mountaineering climb rather than a tramp,” says Daisley. “It requires alpine training, including how to use crampons correctly, self-arrest with an ice axe, recognise hazardous surface conditions and make sound decisions to avoid slips.”

The coroner’s findings that were released last week into the death of Vladimir Levchenko on Taranaki Maunga in September 2025 endorsed MSC’s statement that climbing experience gained on other mountains is not sufficient preparation for Taranaki Maunga.

“Before attempting Taranaki Maunga, we strongly recommend people seek advice from experienced locals and be prepared to turn around if conditions deteriorate or become challenging,” says Daisley. “The mountain will still be there for another day – it’s not worth risking your life for.”

Safety Advice for Taranaki Maunga

• Treat Taranaki Maunga as a mountaineering climb not a tramp. If you don't have mountaineering skills, experience and gear, only consider the summit climb between January and April via the Taranaki Maunga Summit Track, and only when there is no snow or ice.
• Have the appropriate skills and experience before you go. Know how to use crampons and an ice axe, recognise hazardous conditions, travel safely on steep terrain, and make sound decisions to avoid slips.
• Use equipment that is appropriate for the conditions. Rigid mountaineering boots with compatible crampons, a helmet and an ice axe are essential gear when snow and ice are present.
• Know your limits – and the mountain's. Experience gained on other mountains does not necessarily prepare you for the unique conditions on Taranaki Maunga. Get local advice, continually assess conditions and be prepared to turn around if it becomes unsafe.
• Check Plan My Walk for the weather forecast and any alerts before you go.
• Check the NZ Avalanche Advisory for the latest information on avalanche and snow conditions, including sliding hazards.
• Be prepared to change your plans if the weather looks bad or conditions make climbing unsafe.

PHOTO CREDIT | Udith and Sachi, Plan My Walk | Taranaki Maunga