Being an Eastern Bay opf Plenty local, this peak has been enticing me since ever since I can remember. I finally got around to knocking it off today, easier than I expected but still a pretty decent climb. for those who don't know where it is, it's the pointy peak at the southern end of the Rotoma ranges, visible from pretty much anywhere in the Rangitaiki Plains. (when you look south from this area you see three peaks- Putauaki (Mt Edgecumbe), Tarawera, and Maungawhakamana. I'm guessing most people know the other two!). Definitely worth the climb, and the bonus is if you start reasonably early there's plenty of time to head up to Tarawera Falls afterwards (a brilliant little walk and nice for a swim if its summer!). The sign at the trailhead says to allow 5 hours, but I did it in about 2 hours 20, and that was with spending 40 minutes mucking about on the summit! The super fit amongst you will no doubt shave a fair bit off that too.
Running it past the criteria:
The peak must be able to be reached without trespassing on any privately or publically owned land.
Land which is privately or publically owned, but for which the land owner has granted blanket access rights (or has supplied an application for access/permit process) is deemed to be eligible under this rule.You need the permit to visit Tarawera Falls/Lake Tarawera from the Kawerau Information Centre (open 7 days a week, $5) for this one as the trailhead is on the same access road. Not much of a problem.
The peak must be able to be reached without violating any special restrictions or closures put in place (permanently or temporarily), for at least a 3 month period during the year.
Examples include closure for lambing, safety, track maintenaince, spiritual reasons.The only time you won't get a permit is due to high fire risk or if they're logging in the immediate area- highly unlikely to be more than a month a year all up. No problems there either.
The peak must be able to be reached without needing special mountaineering equipment or experience to reach the summit, at least in the summer season.No worries there, it's just a steep hike year round.
The summit and route must not be permanently covered in snow or ice, and/or it must accessible in summer without needing crampons or ice axes for example. That is, it must be able to be reached by walkers or trampers, not mountain climbers.It might get a dusting of snow
very occasionally.
The peak must be able to be reached without putting the 'average' hiker into unnecessary danger.
Examples include very remote and un-travelled routes, dangerous river crossings, badly maintained tracks, or extremely high risk of volcanic activity.No real problems here. The track is rarely used and a bit overgrown, but as it heads straight up a ridgeline the chance of getting lost is pretty much nil, and there are aren't any serious hazards to contend with.
Is the summit greater than 100m above sea level?Yes, 728m according to the map I have. Trailhead is at around 150 metres, so it's a decent climb.
Does the summit or journey provide rewarding views?Unfortunately the track doesn't appear to have been maintained too much recently- the summit has obviously been cleared in the past but has overgrown a bit with manuka scrub. Nonetheless there are still views out past Tarawera south to Tauhara and beyond, and North to Mt Maunganui, Mayor Island and the coast. On a clear day you should be able to see all the way to Ruapehu and the Coromandel Peninsula. If the manuka was cut back a it you would have a spectacular 270 degree panorama to the east, west and south, only the view to the north would be blocked due to some significant old growth forest north of the trig on the summit ridge.
Is the summit obvious and/or contain a landmark? e.g. a trig, or cairn?Yes, there' a trig at the summit.
Is the peak easily reached on weekend trips from main population centres/transport routes?Yes, it's a 15 minute drive from Kawerau along a good gravel road.
Does the peak hold special historical, social, or cultural significance?It has cultural significance to local Maori.
Is the summit accessible only by foot, and not via public road?Yes. Way too steep for a road!
Is peak a named 'mountain'?"Maunga" is Maori for "Mountain", so yes to that too.
Where a peak is one of a number on a marked track, is the peak the highest (or most 'rewarding') on that track?Yes, it's definitely the highest peak in it's range
Trip report:
http://www.peakbagging.co.nz/forums/index.php/topic,452.0.html
