Mount Taranaki

Taken at nearly 1000 metres where the road ends at the visitors centre. Named as Mount Egmont by Captain Cook the Maori name is more used now. It's a proper volcano shape and has been seen in the Hobbit of course and other films. At 2518 metres some snow is permanent. they reckon that those who wish to can ski and surf in the same day as there are some well known surfing beaches quite close by. It last erupted in1755; so it's due. Getting to the summit takes about 5 hours so I walked part of the way mainly through the forest that covers the slopes.