Aotea Track (2-3 day walk)
Alert/Important notice
Track conditions slippery / Upgrade work starting 2 April 2012
On 2 April 2012 contractors are beginning upgrade work on three tracks that form part of the Aotea Track multi-day walk. The tracks being upgraded are Peach Tree, Tramline and the Hot Springs track north of the Hot Springs.
Please do not disturb black petrel nesting 300 m and above on the Windy Canyon to Palmers Track and Hirakimata/Mt Hobson sections of track.
Please be aware that service vehicles use Forest Road periodically. Except for DOC and emergency vehicles, all motorised vehicles are prohibited from using this road.
Track category
Great Walk/Easier tramping track
Description
The new Mt Heale Hut adds to the existing Great Barrier Island track network, creating a multi-day tramping experience that includes the existing Kaiaraara Hut.
Visitors can stay one night at the Mt Heale Hut and walk out, or carry on to make a 3 day experience staying at the Kaiaraara Hut or campsites along the way.
There are several options and entry points for this walk:
Kaitoke hot springs
Day 1 Hot Springs or Windy Canyon to Mt Heale
Time: 3 - 3.5 hr
One option is to access to Mt Heale Hut from the south. Take the Kaitoke Hot Springs Track up to the Tramline, then on to Peach Tree Track and on to the hut (3.5 hr). Note there are two stream crossings on this route.
Alternative access to the Mt Heale Hut is possible from the east, via Windy Canyon and Palmers Track (3 hr). This section is fully bridged and is the shortest and easiest option for the first day.
Mt Heale hut
Day 2 Mt Heale to Port Fitzroy
Time: 2.5 - 3 hr
Head north on South Fork Track to the summit of Hirakimata/Mt Hobson (621 m) with its impressive views. From here follow Kaiaraara Kauri Dams Track down past the old kauri dam remains and on to Kaiaraara Hut. This is a fully bridged route.
You can stay at the Kaiaraara Hut or choose to exit via Forest Road. There are various facilities at Port Fitzroy including the DOC Akapoua Bay camp site.
View from Hirakimata/Mt Hobson
Day 3 Kaiaraara Hut to Whangaparapara
Time: 4 hr
From the Kaiaraara Hut follow Forest Road, an easy grade route with no major climbs. There are several vantage points on route including Maungapiko Lookout, Kauri Tree Route (a small stand of impressive large Kauri trees) and extensive views of the bays to the west.
From Forest Road follow the historic Tramline Whangaparapara Track to the Green Campsite. On the way, a 5 min detour to Kauri Falls is an excellent waterfall swimming opportunity.
You can camp at the DOC Green campsite at Whangaparapara or exit onto the main road and Whangaparapara Lodge, where food, accommodation and car hire are available.
Getting there
There are several options and entry points for this walk:
Access to Mt Heale hut from the south via Kaitoke Hot Springs Track, off Whangaparapara Road. Access to Mt Heale hut from the east via Palmers Track and Windy Canyon at the summit of Whangapoua Hill/Aotea Road.
For other options, see the walk description below.
Plan and prepare
- Do not put your head under the water if swimming in the Kaitoke Hot Springs.
- Take care when crossing streams.
- Beware of steep drop offs.
- Prepare for colder changeable weather conditions at the Hirakimata/Mt Hobson summit.
- During wet periods the steep track approaching the Hirakimata/Mt Hobson summit can be wet, muddy and slippery.
- Do not attempt to access the Kauri Dam. If you are going beyond the viewing platform you are putting yourself and others at serious risk and any rescue attempt would be delayed.
- Please keep to the tracks to avoid damaging rare native plants.
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