Windy Canyon and Palmer's Track to Mt Hobson (Hirakimata)
Located in Great Barrier Island/Aotea in the Auckland region
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Introduction
Windy Canyon is a popular walk on Great Barrier Island, offering spectacular views. You can then continue on Palmers Track to the summit of Mt Hobson (Hirakimata).3.3 km
Dog access
Image gallery
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View from Hirakimata (Mt Hobson) Image: Andris Apse ©
![View from Hirakimata (Mt Hobson).]( "View from Hirakimata (Mt Hobson).")
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Sheer rock faces of Windy Canyon Image: Andris Apse ©
![Sheer rock faces of Windy Canyon.]( "Sheer rock faces of Windy Canyon.")
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Inside Windy Canyon Image: Halema Jamieson ©
![Inside Windy Canyon.]( "Inside Windy Canyon.")
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'Wooden horse' used for winching logs up and over the saddle Image: | DOC
!['Wooden horse' used for winching logs up and over the saddle.]( "'Wooden horse' used for winching logs up and over the saddle.")
This is the shortest and easiest of the three paths to the summit.
Windy Canyon
Time: 15 min one way
The climbs numerous steps through the sheer rock faces of Windy Canyon. There are splendid views of Okiwi Basin and Whangapoua Beach and estuary to the north, and Kaitoke and Medlands beaches to the east.
Palmer's Track
Time: 3 hr return
The track follows the ridge offering constantly changing vistas in every direction before climbing steeply to the summit, traversing steep inclines via an impressive system of steps and stairways. Healthy examples of the endemic plant prostrate kānuka can be seen among regenerating forest. On the ridge still stands the ‘wooden horse’, a sturdy H-frame used for winching logs from the eastern slopes up and over the saddle, before sending them plummeting down the other side on their way to the sea.
Mt Hobson (Hirakimata) is the site of several rare species. It is the favoured choice of the tomtit, black petrel and recently re-introduced North Island robin, and is frequented by kākāriki and kākā. The beautiful endemic Great Barrier tree daisy and tiny sun dews like it here as well.
The track begins at the top of Whangapoua Hill on Aotea Road.
Keep to the tracks to avoid damaging rare native plants and disturbing black petrels.
Nearing the summit, the track leads into mature forest where logging was too difficult and fires on the lower slopes did not reach. Remnants of an ancient and precious conifer forest, rimu, Kirk’s pine, pink pine and kauri, can be seen here.
Keep an eye out for black petrel. Once widespread on the North Island, breeding colonies of these large, burrow-nesting seabirds are now confined to Great Barrier Island Aotea and Hauturu / Little Barrier Island. The main colony on Great Barrier Island Aotea breeds on the slopes of Mt Hobson (Hirakimata) between October and May each year. Mature birds spend months at sea flying as far as South America and only return to the island to breed. Watch out for them on the road at night.
Stay safe in the outdoors
- Choose the right trip for you. Learn about the route and make sure you have the skills for it.
- Understand the weather. Check weather forecasts.
- Pack warm clothes and extra food. Check gear lists.
- Share your plans and take ways to get help. Share directly or use the Outdoor Intentions form or Plan My Walk. Take a distress beacon.
- Take care of yourself and each other.
Stop kauri disease and protect kauri
- Scrub all soil off shoes and gear.
- Use cleaning stations.
- Always stay on the track.
Check you are pest-free
Check, clean, and seal your gear to ensure you don't bring pests, soil, and seeds.
Contacts
| Aotea / Great Barrier Island Base | |
| Phone: | 0800 275 362 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | greatbarrier@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
Okiwi Station 1501 Aotea Road Okiwi Great Barrier Island 0962 |
| Postal Address: |
Private Bag 96002 Great Barrier Island 0961 **Please use NZ Post for all mail / parcels to GBI |
| Full office details | |