Tahurangi Lodge is a great base if you plan to hike Mount Taranaki for sunrise. You start from North Egmont Visitor Centre or the car park nearby and it takes about one to two hours to reach the lodge, depending on your pace. The track is steep in places but well formed, so you can take your time and enjoy the views of the mountain as you climb.

The lodge is simple but very well maintained. Inside, you'll find plenty of bunks, a big kitchen area with basic cooking gear, and a warm mountain hut vibe. You have to book your bed before coming, so make sure you do that early, especially in summer. If you bring a small lock, you can store extra gear like sleeping bags or food in the lockers inside the lodge before continuing to the summit. It makes your pack lighter for the big push.

Most people stay here for the night, get a few hours of sleep, then leave in the middle of the night to reach the summit for sunrise. It is a tough climb from here, but watching the first light hit the top of Taranaki is unforgettable.

Do not miss sunset at the lodge. If the weather is clear, you will see the shadow of Mount Taranaki stretch out over the land in a perfect triangle.