Mt Ngongotaha Jubilee Track
Track category
Walking track
Time:
1.5 hr one way
Distance:
2.4 km
Description
Local tramping club enjoying a large
rimu on the Jubilee track
The first part of the walk follows an easy grade through unlogged native bush which features a large rata tree with a viewing platform. Once you reach the original Jubilee Track the walk becomes moderately steep until near the summit. Once Mountain Rd is reached it is a short walk to the summit.
Also see Mt Ngongotaha Nature Loop Track.
Getting there
The track to the summit of Ngongotaha starts from the Violet Bonnington Reserve located at the Rotorua end of Paradise Valley road. This is a 15 minute drive from the city centre.
Activities
Bird and wildlife watching
About the area
Largest surviving rata tree on the
Jubilee Track
The original Jubilee Track was cut on Jubilee Day, January 29 1890, marking 50 years since Captain Hobson arrived at Waitangi. It needed to be reached over private land with Forest and Bird purchasing the land adjacent. The Mount Ngongotaha Bush Restoration Trust then developed a connecting track from the Violet Bonnington Reserve to the bottom of the Jubilee Track.
The Trust has built a viewing platform from which you can view one of the largest rata trees in the Bay of Plenty. With a height of 40 m and girth 1.8 m it is well worth a visit.
Plan and prepare
You will need to be well prepared when tramping on conservation land, especially on the longer day walks.
Ensure you have strong, comfortable boots, warm clothing, a good raincoat, first aid kit, food and drink, a hat and sunscreen.
It is also advisable to leave your tramping intentions with a responsible person, in case you get lost.