New Zealand Photo Journal #11 Hiking Mount Taranaki By Scott David Plumlee

New Zealand Photo Journal #11, Hiking Mount Taranaki Copyright 2015 Scott David Plumlee. All text and photography by the author. Map image from Wikimedia Commons. Table of Contents: Mount Taranaki 4 Enchanted Track 13 Waingongoro Hut 29 Wilkies Waterfalls 37 Goblin Forest 42 About the Author 50 Discover more adventures at: www.davidchain.com/travels.htm And at: www.amazon.com/scott-david-plumlee/e/b001js5hk0

Previously on NZ Photo Journal: After sailing from Auckland to the Coromandel Peninsula, I cycled down to the Hobbiton Shire, and then did a four-day hike outside of Rotorua. Next, I biked past the Rere Waterfalls to Gisborne, and then to see Lake Waikaremoana. Recently, I hiked the picturesque Tongariro Alpine Crossing, and then pedaled along the Forgotten World Highway to Stratford. Today, I ll be getting a ride up to the base of Mount Taranaki, where I plan to spend the day hiking. Wow, so much to see - let s go!

January 10th: Up at 6am, coffee-n-protein, quick yoga, and ready to go hiking at 7:30am. Andrew drove me up to East Edmont Ski Resort with amazing views of Mount Taranaki.

Back at Matamata, I got my panniers out of storage, and peddling my bike on to Rotorua.

I love it when a hike start out with a Danger Zone sign, it lets me know I m at the right place.

This looks like so much fun, however, I think it is just for supplies to the ski resort base area.

Back at Matamata, I got my panniers out of storage, and peddling my bike on to Rotorua.

This is the ski resort base area where I met several people who were going to summit the peak. They invited me to join them, but my gut instinct said it was folly to climb any higher today.

When the clouds rolled in and covered the peak, I was glad not to be attempting the summit. Thankful that I listened to the subtle gut feeling, allowing the intuitive higher self to guide the way along my path; knowing instinctively when to push forward and when to retreat.

I came back downhill and found the Enchanted Track, which traversed around the mountain.

Back at Matamata, I got my panniers out of storage, and peddling my bike on to Rotorua.

Back at Matamata, I got my panniers out of storage, and peddling my bike on to Rotorua. The DOC puts out so many direction signs, you would have to try really hard to get lost here.

Back at Matamata, I got my panniers out of storage, and peddling my bike on to Rotorua.

I love the feeling of being eye-level with the clouds -- like I m getting a glimpse into heaven.

Carefully focused, but without hesitation, I worked my way down a million muddy stairs.

In this tropical forest every inch is covered in a thick blanket of mosses, lichens, and ferns.

Back at Matamata, I got my panniers out of storage, and peddling my bike on to Rotorua.

Another slippery rock-hopping river crossing, but I was able to jump across with dry feet.

Back at Matamata, I got my panniers out of storage, and peddling my bike on to Rotorua.

This is the Waingongoro Swing Bridge, which wobbles side-to-side in a very unnerving way.

A heart-thumping view from the swing bridge, looking 50-meters down to the river below.

Back at Matamata, I got my panniers out of storage, and peddling my bike on to Rotorua.

This is the Waingongoro Hut; perfectly situated for a lunch break of tuna, tomatoes, and cheese.

What a nice shelter with a huge kitchen, stone fireplace, two bedrooms, and running water.

Here is the view from the hut s front porch, where I met a Swiss couple who were hiking today.

I m back on the trail, but being constantly distracted by all the amazing moss on everything.

Back at Matamata, I got my panniers out of storage, and peddling my bike on to Rotorua.

This is the Wilkies Pools; a series of cascading waterfalls that drop down into carved pools.

By the carving on the rock face, you can see just how much water force flows down this valley.

Back at Matamata, I got my panniers out of storage, and peddling my bike on to Rotorua.

This is the highest pool that I hiked up to, but it seemed there was no end to the cascades.

Welcome to the Goblin Forest, a hiking trail from the Wilkies Pools down to the Dawson Visitor Center. Walking this trail was a uniquely surreal experience, mystified by the spooky trees that loom ominously over a thick fern forest. Thankfully the trail is very smooth or you would fall on your face while looking up at the mesmerizing colors and textures of the different mosses, ferns, and lichen that hang from the twisting branches of the canopy. Back at Matamata, I got my panniers out of storage, and peddling my bike on to Rotorua.

Back at Matamata, I got my panniers out of storage, and peddling my bike on to Rotorua.

This is the 20-meter tall Dawson Falls, where I met some local guys that were out for a hike.

After seeing the Dawson Falls, I decided to get back to town and restock my food supplies. The three locals that I met offered to give me a lift into town and I kindly accepted. They loved my American accented jokes and bought me a beer before dropping me off at the grocery store. I got pasta, tuna, cheese, red sauce, nuts, cookies, coffee, and protein powder for the next section to Wanganui. Back to camp I took a hot shower, trimmed my fingernails, organized my food, and posted on Facebook so my mom knows I m alive. Back at Matamata, I got my panniers out of storage, and peddling my bike on to Rotorua.

Thank you for joining me to hike around Mount Taranaki; hope you liked the photos. Won t you join me for my next adventure to cycle along the stunning Wanganui River? If you LOVE this photo journal ebook, please leave a review on Amazon -- Thank You. The author, Scott David Plumlee, seen with a monkey on his head below, is an avid world traveler, photographer, and writer. He has traveled to over 40 countries, taken millions of photos, and is always willing to share his jokes, stories, and philosophies. Plumlee is also the author of the five book Chain and Bead Jewelry series, and currently loving life in Guatemala. Discover more adventures at: www.davidchain.com/travels.htm Visit my Amazon author page at: www.amazon.com/scott-david-plumlee /e/b001js5hk0 Friend me on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/scottdavid.plumlee View my jewelry designs at: www.etsy.com/shop/davidchain