Mt Taranaki is an extinct volcano. At 2,518 metre (about 8,500 feet) it dominates the skyline in the Patea area. When YIC announced that he was off to climb "the hill", he was told in no uncertain terms that it was "the mountain". And given the amount of permanent snow in the summit crater, YIC has to concede that Taranaki thoroughly deserves its mountain status.
YIC climbed the mountain from Dawson Falls. This is longer than the usual approach and also quieter - something YIC appreciated when he met the travelling hordes on the summit approach. The views were superb and the snow encrusted crater quite beautiful.
crater rocks with Mt Ruapehu in the distance
on the summit