3 minute read
Mt Pirongia Summit via Mahaukura Track
Where is it?
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Just north of Pirongia, turn off SH 39 onto Te Pahu Rd, then Hodgson Rd, then Grey Rd. There are two car parks, lower and upper; at the latter you’ll find an info kiosk with maps.
Terrain
Bush paths, some clay and gravel, steep-sided ridges, rough at times, boggy after rain.
Safety first
This mountain can be unpredictable so you need to be prepared for all conditions.
Need to know
4-6hr one way; 9km
Strong fitness required
Challenging hike
No dogs, this is kiwi and kōkako country
TRACK OVERVIEW
Setting off from the Grey Rd car park, the trail climbs pretty steadily through forest, including some impressive stands of tawa. Follow the track to Wharauroa Lookout, stop for photography, then press on for another 30min to Mahaukura. The track undulates as it goes and is often uneven under foot so take special care. From Mahaukura, the track descends a way before climbing towards the Pirongia summit viewing tower which is found 959m above sea level. This track can also be accessed off O’Shea Rd via the Wharauroa Track.
Mt Pirongia Summit © Adobe Stock
WAITOMO CAVES - TOP SPOTS
WAITOMO CAVES
The caves you see today have been 30 million years in the making, formed by underground streams carving out silent routes through the limestone rock. The caves include deepcaverns, luminescent glowworms and dark waterways, as well as amazing limestone formations. This fabulous subterranean world is both eerie and captivating. Don’t worry, it’s entirely safe and you won’t be alone. Tour guides deliver an informative commentary, sharing natural history and cultural legends.
WAITOMO THRILLS
Because Waitomo farmland hides such a big underground playground beneath its fertile, with giant chasms and explorable chambers, local company Waitomo Adventures will eagerly lead anyone brave enough into this dimly lit lair. A choice of spine-tingling trips range from abseils down 60m shafts to ziplining through narrow passageways with stalagmites tickling at your ear lobes. Daredevils can even tube down an underworld river on pitch-black water.
THE LOST WORLD
Dangle your way into a cool underground chamber via a 100m abseil, the highest commercial one of its kind in New Zealand. Led by an experienced guide in groups of four, once you’re in, squeeze, jump and slide your way further into the abyss. If ‘dropping in’ isn’t your jam, there’s staircase access to the Lost World grotto, removing the need to abseil.
