Kaiaraara Track and Kauri Dams
Alert/Important notice
Upgrade work completed.
This track is now an excellent all weather track.
Track category
Walking track
Time:
3 hr one way
Description
From the Kaiaraara Hut the track rises steadily up to the north east fork of the Kaiaraara Stream to the Coopers Castle Track junction.
Remains of a kauri dam seen from the air
It then continues upstream to the side track leading to a preserved kauri dam (1 hr 30 min) and climbs steeply up wooden steps (that were built to protect the black petrel nesting grounds and sensitive ecosystem) to the summit of Hirakimata (Mt Hobson).
There are great views of the Hauraki Gulf on a fine day.
Getting there
The track begins from Forest Road past the Kaiaraara Hut. Access to Forest Road is from Aotea Road, Port Fitzroy.
Plan and prepare
- Beware steep drop offs.
- Take care when crossing streams.
- Prepare for colder changeable weather conditions at summit.
- During wet periods the steep track approaching the 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.