The HARDEST Hike We’ve Ever Done! Mount Taranaki Summit Track | New Zealand

[@bowenwinterbottom]

Good idea to have supportive hiking boots & poles for a hike like this

[@cjexplores]

Correct!! Ours are still in the UK currently. Trying to get them shipped out 😊

[@DaveBooth-qs7sw]

Thank you for making the journey to the top & now I won’t ever have to do it myself! I’ve seen all that I’ve ever wanted to see!

[@cjexplores]

HAHAHAH thanks Dave 🤣

[@DaveBooth-qs7sw]

Thank you guys for making it to the top! I’ve lived at the base & often looked up but never had the slightest inclination to ever climb it! You have saved me from all that energy! Thank you so much!

[@cjexplores]

🤣🤣 you should give it a go next summer! It is wonderful when you get a clear day up there. I used to live in Stratford! 🤩

[@abalone317]

Really great video! I've done the summit and this truly captures the reality of it. But....I'm not surprised it was such a challenge for Charlotte. Her shoes were just bald gym shoes, with thin ankle socks, and she was wearing shorts in an alpine environment. No hiking poles, full glam makeup and rings on every finger. Just seems like the priorities weren't right for this kind of hike. Sorry to be so blunt, but I hope someone sees this comment before attempting Taranaki and realizes it's not a simple day hike.

[@cjexplores]

Thanks for the comment, we definitely could’ve done better with the gear selection. I think this video certainly shows how the weather can turn so quickly up there and the need to be prepared for all situations!

[@lydiaornot]

yeah, no surprise that almost 100 people have died on that temperamental mountain. Glad that you made it back alive and well :)

[@cjexplores]

@@lydiaornot thanks Lydia 🙏🏼❤️ have you been up there or are you planning??

[@darringrey4329]

A heap of rescues alot get rescued in shorts and tee shirt , looked like you prepared on that day smashed it

[@jamesday1074]

I've climbed it 3 times, twice from north Egmont and once from the ski field and also once to fanthams peak. Dangerous mountain if you get it wrong but beautiful if you get it right. I also recommend the round the mountain track from north Egmont to the holly hut and back to north Egmont Visitors centre. Takes 3-4 days, watch the puffer though, it's true to its name.

[@huyamsuraj4414]

What I love about hiking is the quality of the air that we breath out there.

[@cjexplores]

❤️🙏🏼😊

[@thunderchild888ak]

Probably the best Taranaki summit video I've seen. Great work 😃

[@cjexplores]

Oh wow, what a commendation! Thank you 😁🙏🏼

[@ganneswilliams641]

Huge congratulations Charlotte.How brave are you? Wow!You are a champion.You will remember this forever.I was scared just watching you.Cory was fantastic too filming the trek on that terrain.Both of you were amazing and should feel very proud of yourselves.Thank you both for sharing your incredible climb.Superb video.👏👍

[@cjexplores]

Thank you so much!! She is very proud to have completed this one 🙌🏼😁 happy to share our content with you!!

[@angelakenyon7490]

Wow What? High anxiety just watching you 🙃 Courage and brave Charlotte - wow 🙏🇬🇧🍀

[@cjexplores]

Thank you Angela! ❤️🙏🏼

[@user-qu2zx1fc6s]

Did this with my wife back in 1991. We were lucky at half way Becouse we met an old guy from Taranaki mountain club eh took us up to the summit No stairs back then . A brilliant walk and one you will remember for the rest of your life Thanks for sharing 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@cjexplores]

Oh amazing! Lucky you! Thanks for sharing your story with us 😊🙏🏼

[@ervinslens]

Oh, outstanding piece of cinematography guys! This was masterfully executed and filmed!👏👏

[@cjexplores]

Thank you for the wonderful support ❤️ we worked hard on this one. Nice to be recognised 🙏🏼🥰

[@youtubemusic5210]

Ive lived here my whole life and now i know exactly why i never wanted to climb the mountain lol the scarest part for me would be going back down.

[@cjexplores]

@@youtubemusic5210 hahaha we did it, so that you don’t have to!

[@td23495]

Hey, I just want to say that I've spent the past few days binging all of your New Zealand videos to prepare for a trip there, and they're wonderful! I'm so picky when it comes to youtubers/travel vloggers, because so many of them are SO over-the-top or feel disingenuous, or are just generally grating haha, but you guys have a really nice candor, are super informative, have beautiful footage, and are just generally really lovely to watch. Will definitely revisit all your NZ videos again and again and check out your other ones too. Also, love that you're both plant based! Vegan for 13 years here and I love seeing other vegan travelers. Regards from South Africa

[@cjexplores]

@@td23495 hi T 👋🏼 that’s such a nice message for us to read 🥰 thanks for letting us know you’re enjoying our content. Messages like these really help us to stay motivated and keep on putting on videos! Unfortunately we have finished with our time in NZ and have moved back to Australia. This is the place where it all started for us and we have a lot of videos from here already but we want to create some more valuable content that helps people like you to travel with more knowledge ☺️

[@td23495]

@@cjexplores Definitely keep going! We haven't been to Australia yet but it's on our list - and I know for sure I'll be checking you guys out for all the best tips when the time comes! Thanks again, keep killing it, and take care! ☺

[@cjexplores]

@@td23495 aww thank you 🥰 we hope you can make it here. It’s such an amazing country!

[@anais4766]

Amazed how you did it with the outfit and gear of yours, and feel you completely. It's not a mountain to be taken lightly, and although lucky in NZ that there aren't any wild animals to make your hike dangerous, but weather can be treacherous and rapidly changing. Last time when we went up, right before the summit push we had to stop because someone got hurt (head on collision with falling rocks from hikers above, as we heard), bleeding head, lying on ground, wrapped up in emergency blanket, and looked really bad. We waited to avoid possibility of creating any more falling rocks as the path becomes a single narrow path from there onwards, anything you knock off is bound to come down the same way, and saw helicopter flew in to pick up the poor soul before we can continue. Then the journey to make back is even more dangerous than climbing up, lots people sliding down uncontrollably, so it's not only to control yourself and try to stay away and make room for others, but also to watch out for those around you who might take you down. There are some interesting and inconsiderable people out there too, doesn't matter how much room you try to give them intentionally, and how wide the slope is, they follow you closely despite the slippery and treacherous terrian. You can clearly see they don't know what they're doing, and they can't control themselves from fall/slip, yet they follow you everywhere thinking you'll lead to the better way maybe, or become their human sheild when they fall uncontrollably? I can understand they might feel safer to be around people, and have someone to follow, but that's really selfish/stupid/dangerous behaviour. Anyway, great vid, and glad you made it.

[@cjexplores]

It sounds like you’ve had quite a few interesting experiences up there! Thanks for sharing, I’m sure it is useful to people who are planning their own adventure up to the summit! I hope that person managed to get the medical attention they needed too, it sounds like it 🙏🏼

[@anais4766]

@@cjexplores Yeah, fingers crossed, haven't heard much afterwards which is always a good thing I suppose, I'm sure the poor soul made it back fine. It is a beautiful mountain indeed, glad I did it, and your video reminded me all about it. :)

[@louisaklimentos7583]

You actually can see the sun rise while climbing the mountain . An experience you will never forget ! It looks scary though especially with the fog in the way . Poor Charlotte as she had a bit of a hard time doing that hike . I am glad you made it back safe .

[@cjexplores]

She did! But she made it through 🤩 we won’t be forgetting that one in a hurry, you’re right! That sunrise was lovely too 😍

[@louisaklimentos7583]

@@cjexplores I take my hat off for Charlotte as her determination is what got her there . Looking forward watching more of your videos on beautiful New Zealand .

[@camposolexplorersspain208]

Well done guys and Charlotte, you did amazing job. Many thanks for sharing your adventure with us - thumbs up from me

[@cjexplores]

Thanks for watching ❤️ glad you enjoyed it!

[@nicallis]

The Scoria is a killer - remember it well from when I climbed the mountain in 2003. About to get a tattoo of Mount Taranaki this weekend, a beautiful place

[@cjexplores]

No way! That is an awesome idea, send us a pic of the tattoo on instagram when it's done!

[@angusrobertsonpianist]

Another great travel✈️🧳🥾 programme📺, guys!👏👏👏🙏🙏🙏💯💯💯👍👍👍 I am really enjoying watching this as the sun 🌞 rises🌇 over the city skyline. I must say, the Start of the video 📼,in the runup to the mountain⛰️🗻 climb, felt epic. Brave Charlotte for conquering your fears on the climb🚵‍♂️🏞️: well done, you!👏👏👏 I liked your accommodation ad,too: great apartment.🏠🏘️. Those views you showed are awesome.😲 and really made me smile 😃😆. So great,& the video📼 is very well put together,as well. Such a wonderful adventure!!! I am really looking forward to your next adventure😆🤗👍🤞. Good luck to you both: stay safe and well.

[@cjexplores]

Thanks Angus, glad we could bring some adventures to you this Sunday morning! We’re really proud of ourselves on that adventure and the video came out great! 😁

[@northwestkiwi7742]

Nice use of the 'danger' music when you were returning through the cloud. ;) Yes, Taranaki is not a mountain to take lightly. I knew it was steep but holy hecka your video shows just how ridiculously steep it is. Not gonna lie: I would have bailed before the stairs. Well done on summiting!

[@cjexplores]

Thanks ☺️ we appreciate the support and encouragement!

[@puresoundstudios]

A real achievement. Impressed.

[@cjexplores]

Thanks for your support!!

[@tracygrant2923]

Well done you guys., especially Charlotte for persevering 😍 What a difficult climb that looked 😮 I don’t think I could manage it, even if I wanted to 😆 it must have felt really exhilarating reaching the summit! Shame it was so overcast for you at the top. Looking forward to the next vlog. ❤️ 🫶🏻

[@cjexplores]

It wasn’t easy, that’s for sure!! But we did it 😁 thanks for always encouraging us Tracy 🥰🙏🏼❤️

[@ganeshshukvir9069]

Doing that without the use of hiking poles and proper hiking boots is still something to admire! I would definitely be scared shitless as well if I didn't have my hiking poles to stabilise myself.. especially when going down. Good job!

[@cjexplores]

Thanks for the love and support 😊🙏🏼❤️

[@chrisharding5447]

What about Dawson Falls mountain house/ visitor centre/ restaurant, SOUTH taranaki off Manaia road? I grew up in Kaponga and rode my bmx up there, and did the summit when I was 10-11. The scree slope is WAY looser on the other side., and is way more fun going down!! It is important to have better ankle support on when doing summit, make people aware of your intentions and return times, and that cloud is nothing like the weather changes, horizontal sleet isnt unusual, so clothing should be taken for protection. As of 27 June 2017, 84 people have died on the mountain since records began in 1891, many having been caught by a sudden change in the weather. In terms of fatalities this mountain is the second most dangerous mountain in New Zealand after Aoraki / Mount Cook

[@julieufi1038]

Great vid cheers !

[@cjexplores]

Thanks 🙌🏼

[@deang.7483]

fantastic footage. Well done. it's a HUGE hike. I found it tough with good boots / poles etc. maybe good to point out (maybe it was in the vid??) how much easier / more enjoyable trips like this are with more appropriate gear. Glad you had good weather & got down safe. Many haven't been so lucky. Check out the NZ Mountain Safety Council video series on here if you haven't seen them already. Really good fly overs of different popular hikes with loads of good info & advice.

[@cjexplores]

Thanks Dean, we appreciate the support! The NZ mountain safety videos are great! Any other North Island hikes you’d recommend?

[@exploreearth6275]

Wonderful mount Taranaki

[@cjexplores]

Thanks for watching! 🙏🏼

[@rakzd411]

Well done

[@NotBROLL]

Aee Mt Egmont / Taranaki! Great place to visit.

[@cjexplores]

Love it! Such a wonderful place to grow up!!

[@lauriemhaysom1396]

The day I did summit didn't leave till 10 am so got back at 9pm so last 2 hrs in the dark just phone as a torch I came up on Pembroke Rd with the to ski field more known route is from north Egmont doc info centre and up the puffer road to summit track coming down was steep volcanic rocks being slippery so need a decent hiking boots also ice in crater all year which can be slippery as well

[@cjexplores]

Wowww that’s caaaraaazzzzy!! Were you on your own??

[@Oltohm]

Wow! Great hike! What was the podcast? :)

[@cjexplores]

This one here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4O8Xpmlr5KNd9k 😊

[@jjlullaby]

What camera or stabiliser are you using? It looks really stable.

[@cjexplores]

Thanks! It’s a DJI Pocket 3. Great portable little handheld camera 📸

[@AltitudeAerialCornwall]

That was a really good video guys. Well done completing the climb. Such beautiful scenery. I really felt for you Charlotte, as my late wife was also terrified of heights. You should be very proud of yourself 👏. Looking forward to seeing your continuing adventure. Stay safe, and have fun. 🙂

[@charlesjordan4336]

As in ….. 😂

[@AltitudeAerialCornwall]

@@charlesjordan4336 And your point is?? 🤔

[@cjexplores]

Thanks for the support! We look forward to sharing our adventures around NZ with you too!! 😀

[@winraydouglas2627]

Well done

[@cjexplores]

Thank yoooou! 😀

[@jayeT5]

Good stuff Guys!

[@cjexplores]

Thanks Jaye 🙏🏼😊

[@samuelhodge3603]

Did this in 2 hours before in warehouse shoes from the Stratford car park. Good vid tho well done

[@cjexplores]

🤣🤣🤣🙈 sounds like a tall tale but well done 🤪

[@samuelhodge3603]

@@cjexplores fast tale mate

[@cjexplores]

@@samuelhodge3603 🤣

[@juneadam2507]

For going down to the gravier part take 2 big rocks for both hands, sit down and use it to slow and stabilize

[@cjexplores]

Have you tried this? 🙈

[@justinsmith4562]

Need trail running shoes with more grip to help with the slippery parts.

[@cjexplores]

Thanks Justin, we got some hiking boots now 😁

[@seanpk78]

Not the best shoes 😂 good video though.

[@cjexplores]

Haha I have some much better ones now 👌

[@michaelgrey7854]

I'm getting vertigo just looking at this!

[@cjexplores]

😜 thanks for watching!

[@charlesjordan4336]

Link the podcast

[@cjexplores]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4O8Xpmlr5KNd9ksi=1CywxCibmvPBChuX&t=1459

[@jessicanand9935]

How long did it take you both?

[@cjexplores]

We actually took 13 hours.. BUT you can do it much faster if you don’t get stuck on the scoria!

[@davidr5597]

I'm originally from NZ, and have been on Mt. Taranaki multiple times. And experienced cloud driven white out while descending Fanthoms peak, in the other side of the mountain from where you were. I really wish you would edit this video and reupload. You're opening statements about being well prepared for the hike are totally misleading and dangerous to anyone who attempts this without doing further research. Had you truely been well prepared, you'd have had much better footwear and carried sufficient clothing that you'd have not said the summit was freezing. Having been in much worse weather on Mt Taranaki i can tell you that you didn't experience bad weather, just a bit of cloud. Please consider the consequences of making light of mountain/alpine prepared.

[@cjexplores]

We should’ve packed less food and more clothes for sure! 😅 thanks for your input David 🙏🏼 appreciated

[@adambane1719]

This peak is literally a well sign posted walk in the park, with the right weather. Zoomers : "It was the most traumatic experience of my life"

[@cjexplores]

👆 this attitude is the reason why people get into trouble up there!

[@deang.7483]

more fatalities than Mt Cook.

[@oldwaitekauri]

Totally inappropriate footwear.

[@cjexplores]

😅😅 oops!

[@chriskiwi2601]

Good video however, take it from one that has done a bit of mountain climbing, wear appropriate footwear. Yours were not.

[@cjexplores]

We appreciate your input Chris 😁🙏🏼 we have since invested in some great boots from Mountain Warehouse 👍🏼

[@patriksvara5833]

The lady is not equipped for such a track. Look at her clubbing shoes.

[@cjexplores]

🤣🤣 those are sports trainers thank you very much!

[@charlesjordan4336]

lol