I did not do enough research before we went on this walk. Hahaha. Anyone whose done this walk will understand the issue when I also point out that I am sooo afraid of heights and have a massive fear of falling. It’s scary. But it’s 100% fine. I just wasn’t prepared for how steep and clamber-ey it was. Although to be fair, it’s right there in the name: ‘Pari’ means cliff and “turū” stand out/prominent. So, probably should have predicted that I would soon be clinging to a cliff
It’s only a 20-30min walk return, and the views are unreal (even on a bad day like when we visited). But you do need a good level of fitness since you have 230 steps to climb BEFORE a level segment of steep rock clambering with chains. Not to mention the fact that you climb a little over 100m (did I mention the whole walk is only 1.6k?). I actually ditched my Birkenstock’s half way up and went barefoot, which was much easier. That was after I had a 5min break clinging to the rock to collect my nerves.
Paritutu and the Sugar Loaf Islands are remnants of ancient volcanic activity in the Taranaki region. I’ve read that the summit (156m above sea level) actually used to stand higher, but was flattened by Maori way back in the day so that they could build shelter and storage pits.
There’s nothing really else to say about this walk, except that the views are well worth the adrenaline. My hubby wants to visit and do the walk, and now that it’s been a couple weeks I think I’d happily go again (as long as it was a nice day so to make the most of the 360 degree views of New Plymouth, Mt Taranaki and the Tasman Sea).
As you can probably tell, I didn’t take too many pics as I was preoccupied, but this YouTube clip will give you a good idea of what your in for: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VG5Wr4gRxrQ
If you’ve done this walk leave a comment below and tell me what you thought! Am I being a drama queen saying it was 9/10 on the scary-scale? Should I brave it again, or just tick that one off the list and consider it done?
Happy exploring
Xx
Moochelle.