In this episode of Trackin' Dirt, I'm backpacking New Zealand's Mount Taranaki, a stunning volcanic peak that dominates the landscape on the North Island's west coast. Taranaki reaches high into the sky, and snow covers much of the mountain. I met up with Dave Bolger, an alpine mountain guide with Top Guides Taranaki, to hike the Pouakai Crossing. The Crossing is one of the classic hiking routes in the North Island and is part of the Pouakai Circuit, a popular track that circumnavigates the moun

The explosive eruption of Taranaki Maunga