Pirongia Forest Park routes
Route
Getting there
The Park is near Hamilton city, and has many access points. Some access ways cross private land. Keep to marked tracks and use stiles and fences. To protect the Te Awamutu water supply, access is not encouraged in the Mangauika catchment.
Description
Wharauroa Route
Time: 2 hr one way
An alternative access to Wharauroa Lookout. Cross farmland from O’Shea Rd carpark for 30 minutes before reaching the bush edge. A steady to steep climb up a tawa spur leads to the lookout.
Oparau Route
Time: 1 hr one way
From Pirongia West Rd this route follows a rough roadline across farmland to the Park boundary. The Oparau River is not bridged and can be impassable after heavy rain.
Mangakino Route
Time: 1 hr 30 min one way
This route provides access to the Mangakino Block. Start at Vandy Rd carpark and follow the semi-formed Vandy roadline for an hour before crossing farmland to the bush.
Tiwarawara Route
This route is now closed. Track markers have been removed and the track is no longer maintained. Trampers who use the track do so at their own risk.
An alternative track, Hihikiwi Track, starts from Pirongia West Rd and the last section follows what was once part of the Tiwarawara Route.
Plan and prepare
Many of Pirongia’s tracks can be muddy, especially after rain.
Weather conditions can change rapidly, especially at higher altitudes. Always carry a change of clothing, wet weather gear and sufficient food to cater for any emergency.
What to expect on a route:
- Challenging day or multi-day tramping/hiking
- Track unformed and natural, rough, muddy or very steep
- Suitable for people with above average fitness. High level backcountry skills and experience, including navigation and survival skills required
- Complete self sufficiency required
- Track has markers, poles or rock cairns. Expect unbridged stream and river crossings
- Sturdy tramping/hiking boots required