Mount Hikurangi - Te Ara ki Hikurangi
Introduction
Views from Mt Hikurangi
Mt Hikurangi, on the east coast of the North Island, is recognised and accepted as the first point on the mainland to greet the morning sun. This highest peak (1752 metres) in the rugged Raukumara Range is revered by the Ngati Porou tribe as its sacred mountain. For them Mt Hikurangi is more importantly the resting place of Nukutaimemeha, the waka (canoe) of Maui, who is said to have fished up the North Island of New Zealand.
To Ngati Porou, Mt Hikurangi was and is an integral part of their traditions and history. The association of the people and the mountain is recorded in waiata (song), haka (war dance), whakatauaki (tribal proverbs) and karakia (incantations).
Features
Alpine vegetation
The summit of Mt Hikurangi comprises the northern-most extent of alpine vegetation in New Zealand. The alpine plants include large buttercups (Ranunculus spp.), prickly wild spaniards (Aciphylla spp.) and other alpine shrubs and delicate herbs.
Of particular interest is the small subalpine "Hikurangi tutu" (Coriaria pottsiana) which is only known from the grassy scree slope behind the tramping hut. Please treat all plants on Mt Hikurangi with care.
Location
Mt Hikurangi is on the Ruakumara Range, about 130 kilometres due north of Gisborne.
Getting there
If you are planning to visit, please make contact with Te Runanga o Ngati Porou before you do so. They offer 4x4 Tours to the Maui Whakairo, as well as a summit guide and an overnight guide.
Te Runanga o Ngati Porou
1 Barrys Avenue
Ruatoria 4032
Ph: +64 6 864 9004 or Email: pbrooking@tronp.org.nz
The start of Te Ara ki Hikurangi track is located on Pahikiroa Station, which is at the end of the gravel Tapuaeroa Valley Road, 20 kilometres inland from Ruatoria. The turnoff is on a bend (north of Ruatoria) and is signposted as "Pakihiroa Station". There is public access from the Tapuaeroa Valley to the mountain, via Pakihiroa Station which is owned and operated by Te Runanga o Ngati Porou.
There is a formal carpark just below the Pakihiroa station manager's house. There is no public vehicle access past this point.
Places to stay
Mt Hikurangi hut
There is a hut available for public use on the track, administered by Te Runanga o Ngati Porou. Bookings should be made through them.
You must carry your own cooker and water. Camping is not permitted.
Plan and prepare
Closures
Te Ara ki Hikurangi may be closed for short periods during the year for farming or cultural reasons. All closures will be publicly notified. Further information can be obtained from Te Runanga o Ngati Porou.
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