New Zealand Milky Way at Syme hut, Mount Taranaki

At almost 2000m elevation, Syme hut is the second highest hut in the North Island of New Zealand and the starting point for climbing Mount Taranaki. The hut by itself is a great spot where you can get stunning close views to the mountain and the surrounding area.

Check your camera settings before the evening and make sure you understand everything for night photography. Use a tripod, the manual focus, put of the stabilization, and use the lowest aperture. In comparison to this you can try out what ISO fits to the shutter speed. Use not longer than 20 seconds for stars cause they are slowly moving.

This 8,5 km out-and-back trail with around 1050 meter of elevation is a very challenging hike and requires a huge certain level of fitness. From the parking "Dawson Falls Visitor Centre" you first hike through the bush line and a lot of new build stairs until you reach the scree slope that is very steep and rocky/slippery on the way up. A good balance is required here!

Not recommended in bad weather, as it is easy to lose your bearings in the fog.

If winter of snow sets in, please always inform the DOC about the ascent and ask for the current conditions / avalanche risks.