Mount Te Aroha tramping tracks

Track category

Tramping track

Description

Te Aroha Mountain Track

3 hours one way, 3.9km

This track ascends almost 1km. Follow the track from the Mokena Geyser in the Te Aroha Domain up the well benched track for 45 minutes to the Whakapipi Lookout which offers views over the Hauraki Plains. The Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park begins just above the lookout. The track continues through a small saddle and then steeply up for another two hours to reach the summit. The track becomes steep and the surface is rough.

Mount Te Aroha provides 360 degree views across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty. Ruapehu, Ngāuruhoe and Taranaki are visible on a clear day. Be prepared for alpine weather conditions at the summit. Return to Te Aroha via the same track (most direct route).

Alternative route via Tui Mine Loop Track

This track is closed due to remediation work at the Tui Mine. Return trips from the summit must go back down the Mountain Track.

3 hours 30 minutes one way from summit, 8.4km

This track begins at the Mount Te Aroha Summit and leads back to Te Aroha. Descend from the summit via the stairways and steps on the north east side. Dog Kennel Flat is reached after 20 minutes at an intersection with Mountain Road. The route then continues north to the Tui saddle before descending steeply to the west down a rocky section and then follows the road for about 15 minutes before taking a marked bush track on the left. Just below here is the Tui Mine mill site and tailings.

The track passes an old concrete explosives magazine, crosses the Mountain Road and meanders down through lowland forest of püriri and kohekohe leaving the park at the junction with the Tui Domain Track. Follow the Tui Domain Track through regenerating native forest and shallow mountain streams for 1 hour 30 minutes to reach the Mokena Geyser in the Te Aroha Domain. Side tracks offer alternate exits to Hamilton Street or a detour to the No22 spring. Look out for cyclists as you cross the marked mountain bike track.

Te Aroha summit to Waiorongomai saddle

50 minutes one way, 1.5km

This track begins at the Mount Te Aroha summit and leads to the Waiorongomai saddle. A number of longer overnight tramps can be accessed from here. Descend from the summit via the stairways and steps on the north east side. Dog Kennel Flat is reached after 20 minutes, at an intersection with Mountain Road.

This route then follows the Plutus Claim Track eastward, just below Dog Kennel Flat. After 30 minutes the track meets a junction with the Mangakino Pack Track at the Waiorongomai saddle and the Crimson Thread Track which heads east. Return the same way or follow an alternative route:

From Waiorongomai saddle to Tui saddle

Walkers can take a more challenging loop walk back to Te Aroha via the Tui Saddle. Follow the Mangakino Pack Track north for one hour to reach a junction with the Tui Saddle Track, then head west up to the Tui saddle. From here follow the Tui Link Track back into town.

From Waiorongomai saddle to Waipapa Track

Follow the Crimson Thread Track east and join the Waipapa Track which leads to Waitawheta Hut (3 hours to hut from Waiorongomai Saddle). From Waiorongomai saddle to Waiorongomai Head south to reach the Waiorongomai Valley (2 hours to road end).

Activities

Historic sites

At nearby Waiorongomai Valley enjoy a walk along a significant bush tramway and see the associated gold mine workings and ruins.

Hot pools

Te Aroha is a renowned spa town with thermal baths in the Te Aroha Domain.

Plan and prepare

Caution: Mine Tunnels and shafts are dangerous and may be hidden by vegetation.

• Keep to marked official tracks
• Do not enter tunnels unless they are clearly marked for public access.
• Please consult a topographic map.

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