Double Round Mt Taranaki FKT

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2/7/2019
Party: Tom Spencer, Tom Hadley

Tom Spencer and I had an epic day on Mt Taranaki over the uni break. We were both keen to get out and find a big challenge, so we decided doing 2 laps of Mt Taranaki would be a bit of fun.

We started at around 5.30am from the Stratford Plateau and pushed through the first hour or so in cold winds and icy conditions. However, once we got around to Holly hut the day cleared up and we could find a solid rhythm. Going around the side of Phantam’s peak had to be a highlight of the first lap with clear conditions and some stunning views of the summit. We managed to tick off the first lap, getting back to the plateau in 8 hours 45 minutes where we could restock food.

Tom striding out under Fantham's Peak (Tom Hadley)


Some Ice (Tom Spencer)

Setting out on the second loop, we managed a solid pace around to Holly Hut where we had a bit of a laugh as we filled in the hut book for the second time that day. After darkness set in at the pyramid stream crossing, we made the trek up the Brames falls track climb for the second time, meeting some very gusty conditions coming around Phantam’s peak. We reached Dawson Falls Visitor Centre with 30 minutes left to make our goal of 20 hours so had to make a final hustle on smashed legs to finish the day in 19 hours and 59 minutes! All in all, we were stoked with how the day went and enjoyed the challenges that came with it.


Wet Tom (Tom Hadley)


Tired Toms (Tom Hadley)

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