Mount Te Aroha tracks
Located in Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park in the Bay of Plenty region
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Introduction
A series of walks up and around Mount Te Aroha offer stunning views and give access to the Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park.Various 1.5–8.4 km one way
Walking and tramping
Various 50 min to 3 hr 30 min Easiest: Short walkEasy: Walking track
Advanced: Tramping track
Dog access
At 952 m, Mount Te Aroha is the highest point on the Kaimai-Mamaku range.
Te Aroha Summit Track
Category: Tramping track
Time: 3 hr one way
Distance: 3.9 km one way
No dogs
This track ascends almost 1 km. 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 Conservation 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
Time: 3 hr 30 min one way from summit
Distance: 8.4 km one way
No dogs
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 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
Time: 50 min one way
Distance: 1.5 km one way
No dogs
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:
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.
Alernative route 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.
Alternative route from Waiorongomai Saddle to Waiorongomai
Head south to reach the Waiorongomai Valley – 2 hours to road end.
Council walks in the area
Mountain biking
Mountain biking is prohibited.
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.
- Consult a topographic map.
Track condition for Mangakino Pack and Mangakino Stream tracks
The upper Mangakino Pack Track south to Te Aroha Mountain and the Mangakino Stream Track to the Old County Road on Karangahake Mountain both sustained storm damage in January 2018.
The track is resettling naturally and continues to be used safely by trampers, although there are some challenging sections.
The Mangakino Pack Track is for experienced trampers only.
Stay safe in the outdoors
- Take the right gear for your trip: Walking and tramping gear lists.
- Tell a trusted person your plans and when to raise the alarm if you haven’t returned. Send them the information directly, or use the Outdoor Intentions form or Plan My Walk.
- Follow the five essential steps of the Land Safety Code.
Contacts
| Tauranga Office | |
| Email: | taurangainfo@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
253 Chadwick Road West Greerton West Tauranga 3112 |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 9003 Greerton West Tauranga 3142 |
| Full office details | |