Whanokao - East Cape

[vinodrinker]

Was struck by this peak when climbing hikurangi (picture below). Very impressive at 1625m. Not much info on it on the internet.  Anyone know anything about it?  Obviously because of its remoteness and difficulty it isn't often attempted though people do give it a lash

Any info appreciated

[SpaceMonkey]

Great minds think alike.... was thinking of that as a possible myself yesterday. I've only read one write-up on it but it sounds like an absolute beast. This was the article: http://www.leatherwood.co.nz/information.php?info_id=20

[GuanoGerbil]

Wow, that photo looks mighty inviting. I haven't even done Hikurangi yet, but I'm already dreaming of this one! Will have to had this one to my rapidly growing 'to do' list...

[vinodrinker]

if you want some company when you get around to it drop me a line!

the actual summit isnt visable in that picture, sits behind. by the time we got to the top of hikurangi cloud prevented any further photos in that direction unfortunately

[vinodrinker]

Found another pic that henrys took on our hikurangi climb. He was the only one of us that took a shot in that direction on this part of our ascent. This was taken probably from around 1200-1400m asl from hikurangi's west face. the actual summit is the peak in the background at 1618m (probably thankfully by the looks). The intimidating peak in the foreground (unnamed on topo) is 1598m asl

[ledge]

Hey there ... your photos of Honokawa (its other name) dont look half as intimidating as this 5-spired beast actually is in reality. My mate & I attempted Whanakao in summer2000, and made a solitary erroe which left the virgin summit man-free, at least for another ten years or so.

1) Permission from forestry co. Rayoniers, I think.
2) Key to gate needed.
3) Gnarly as :4WD recommended near end.
4) Parked at Fantail Crossing, skid site.
5) 5 hrs bushbash up very steep spur. No tracks - we left a couple of orange markers.
6) Camped on tiny flat spot, 2/3 up, (before first rocky scramble.)

Reason we gave up: Ran out if water, & couldnt risk 2 more days without it.

[vinodrinker]

Interesting.  I note a tramping club (forget which one) had a trip organised a while back to summit this one taking what they described as the " 'easy' route"  in quotes.  I guess contacting them would be wise or better still watching out for a repeat trip sometime and tagging along with someone that knows the way.

Obviously an extemely difficult bag logistically and also a hard multi day climb.

But once the easy ones are knocked off these sort of targets become appealing!