Mt Pirongia Summit Via Mahaukura Track

The Mahaukura Track is a challenging hike to the Mt Pirongia viewing tower, where walkers can congratulate themselves with sweeping scenes of lush Waikato farmland.

Where is it?

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.

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.

Exploring Mt Pirongia Summit © Mark Hamilton

Need to Know

NO DOGS: This is kiwi and kōkako country

TIME AND DISTANCE: 4-6hr one way; 9km

FITNESS: Strong fitness required

TERRAIN: Challenging hike

Waikato Walks

From iconic walks such as the Blue Spring at Te Waihou Walkway or Wairere Falls, to hidden gems like Mangapohue Natural Bridge or Waiorongomai Valley - discover an array of excellent walking and hiking trails in the Mighty Waikato.

© wakatonz.com

Waitomo Top Spots

1. 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 deep caverns, 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.

Glowworms at Waitomo Caves © www.hamiltonwaikato.com

2. 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 spinetingling 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.

3. 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.

Looking for a place to stay? Find a huge range of accommodation options, including discounts for AA Members, at travel.aa.co.nz/Hotels

Main Image: Mt Pirongia Summit © Getty Images