Mt William Walkway

Tramping track

Getting there

View from Mt William trig

The car park is on McMillan Rd, off Irish Rd, which is off SH 2, 50 km south of Auckland.  Alternatively start from the other end of the track on Puketutu Rd, off Razorback Rd, which can be accessed from Beaver Rd, off SH 1.

Description

Please respect private property by keeping to the track. Sections of track are slippery when wet. Please keep to the track when crossing private farmland, and take care around stock.

Please Leave Farm gates as you find them (open or closed).

McMillan Rd car park to Mt William summit

Time: 1 hr 30 min one way
Distance: 2.5 km one way

The trig

From the McMillan Rd end, the track follows a farm fence line with markers to the Mt William Scenic Reserve. The reserve hosts a wide variety of native trees and shrubs, including kauri, hard beech and king ferns. From the Mt William summit (369 metres) there are expansive views to the West Coast and Firth of Thames. 

Mt William summit on to Puketutu trig and Puketutu Rd

Time: 1 hr 30 min one way
Distance: 2 km one way

The track continues along a saddle of rolling farm land to Puketutu trig (376 metres) and Puketutu Rd.

View of Mt William summit from
the track

McMillian Rd car park to kauri grove

Time: 40 min one way
Distance: 1.5 km one way

For the shorter walk, the Kauri Ridge Track follows the Mt William Walkway from McMillan Rd as far as the fence line, where you enter the reserve. Turn left at the sign, cross the left-hand stile and follow the track, which climbs steeply to the kauri grove. Return the same way. 

Plan and prepare

• Track may be closed for lambing from 1 August to 1 October, check with DOC.
• Dogs are not permitted on the tracks because of the threat they pose to stock and wildlife.  Exceptions include certified guide dogs and permitted hunting dogs. 

What to expect on a tramping track:

• Challenging day or multi-day tramping/hiking
• Track is mostly unformed with steep, rough or muddy sections
• Suitable for people with good fitness. Moderate to high level backcountry skills and experience, including navigation and survival skills required
• Track has markers, poles or rock cairns. Expect unbridged stream and river crossings
• Tramping/hiking boots required

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