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I've been itching to climb Taranaki again for a while but the weather has not been suitable when I've had the time. However this weekend the stars finally aligned delivering perfect conditions for a great snow climb. A recent snow fall and then a fine clear morning with virtually no wind or at least not until I got to the summit. I set out just after 4:00am by torchlight with the milky way standing out boldly stretched across the night sky. It was a beautiful morning with the dawn glow grow …

After several days of blustery stormy weather, this morning dawned fine and clear in New Plymouth with Taranaki standing bold and clear on the horizon with a fresh dusting of spring snow. I headed out early to get some dawn photos of the mountain and then see what bird life might be about at the Waiwhakaio river mouth, one of the best spots near New Plymouth to see a wide variety of bird life.The sand dunes, with regeneratng natives, and clumps of boxthorn seems to provide great habitat for smal …

I've been meaning to make another trip to Rotakare for a while. Rotakare scenic reserve is a very special place in South Taranaki, a tribute to the local community that has managed to transform this reserve into a pest free sanctuary with a thriving native bird population. I was particularly interested in getting some photos of fernbirds (or matata) as Rotakare is renowned for its fernbird population. Its fernbird population is so healthy that it has been used as the source for translocatin …

Sunday morning was a great morning for photography. I woke early , around 4:30am, and saw that the mountain was standing clear with the moon close to setting so I set off to do some early morning photography. First stop was Port Taranaki to get some  early dawn/night shots of the mountain rising above the harbour and the coastal city lights. It was a cold spring morning but stunningly beautiful. Then I headed out to the Waiwhakaio river mouth to see what birdlife was about getting some grea …

I've been wanting to do a night climb on a moonlit night to Pouakai tarn for a while but the weather just hasn't been suitable. Last night was cloudy again and I had given it up as a lost cause until I woke at 1:40am and saw the mountain clear and bold under the full moon.  So after hastily stuffin my camera gear into my pack I was off, leaving the end of Mangorie road around 2:20am.It was a beautiful clear cold night and a wonderful tramp under the moonlight. I arrived on top of the Pouaka …