In this episode of we head to the slopes of Mount Taranaki to visit one of the most spectacular and highest public huts in the North Island, Syme Hut. Sitting at around 1,940 m on an old volcanic cone high on the mountain’s southern flank, the hut offers remarkable views across much of the North Island on a clear day.

The route begins at Dawson Falls Visitor Centre and climbs steadily through forest and subalpine vegetation before emerging onto steep volcanic slopes of loose scoria and rock. The final section is an exposed climb towards Fanthams Peak and Syme Hut itself, gaining roughly 1,000 metres of elevation over about 9 kilometres.

I visited Syme Hut while attempting a section of the old around-the-mountain circuit in 2021. What followed was a long and windy climb, some difficult decisions about whether to continue, and eventually one of the most memorable hut stays I’ve ever had, with spectacular sunset and sunrise views from high on the mountain.

In this episode I share an overview of the route, the history of the hut, my experience climbing to it, and some practical advice for anyone thinking of making the trip.