Taranaki Climbing Meet 2025
A fair weather forecast for Taranaki can mean a varied range in the alpine where the stone is. However, there was an acceptable tolerance albeit inside a cloud.
As much as a rock meet it's always mountain appreciation time, meeting with old and new participants, friends and family.
The very lush herb fields lead to the clean eroded lava flows, Warwick's Castle, Little Eiger and the Organ Pipes all offering many historical routes of many grades.
However, don't let low grades fool you on the maunga. Most of the lines involve commitment, and have no guarantees with respect to positive holds, pro or obvious belay anchors.
The ever present cloud was enough to create some light precip, which produced some slippery surfaces. Higher in the organ pipes and a bit more UV sneaking through, conditions were drier and routes were climbed with more confidence.
Lucas Flay (age 17) was his usual effervescent self, hucking a lap on the physical offwidth Space Invader (21) and even managed to experience a 6m inverted fall (on gear) on the classic Le Climb (20) - which didn't deter him at all.
Oscar Thomas (age 12) showed a cool head for his age and climbed well with enthusiasm and confidence.
Five members also ventured up to the Sharkstooth via the classic East Ridge route, and to no surprise, reported excellent scrambling.
We all appreciated time out embracing the environment, a bit of friendly banter and comfortable beds at Manganui lodge courtesy of the Stratford Mountain Club.
By Chris Prudden and Fletcher Miles