Mount Hikurangi - Te Ara ki Hikurangi
Located in Raukumara Conservation Park in the East Coast region
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Introduction
Visit the sacred mountain of Ngāti Porou, the highest non-volcanic mountain in the North Island. You need backcountry experience to walk up Hikurangi Maunga track.Seasonal restrictions
Public access to Mount Hikurangi is closed from 12 noon on 31 December to 12 noon on 1 January each year for the Hikurangi Maunga Dawn Event.
The track from carpark to the hut will be closed every October for lambing.
Dog access
Time:
Car park to Hikurangi Hut: 4 - 5 hr
Hikurangi Hut to summit: 2 - 3 hr
Walk across Pakihiroa station to Hikurangi summit. Yellow markers show the route from the carpark to the hut and most of this section follows a farm track.
Once at the hut, marker poles show the route from the hut up the mountain. However the last 400m up a steep scree slope is unmarked and not maintained – keep left all the way.
Note: Hikurangi Hut is a basic 8-bunk hut available for public use on the track. it must be booked before departure through Te Runanganui o Ngāti Porou who administer the hut.
The track starts 25 km from Ruatoria. Turn off SH 35 onto the Tapuaeroa Valley Road and follow the signs for Pakihiroa Station.
There is a formal car park just below the station manager's house. There is no public vehicle access past this point.
Track condition
The track up Hikurangi Maunga is open but has not been maintained since early 2020.
Expect the track to be damaged and overgrown. Only attempt the track if you have backcountry tramping experience, including good wayfinding skills.
Private farmland
Te Ara ki Hikurangi track crosses private farmland. Leave gates as you find them. Don't disturb stock – keep your distance, and walk around cattle if safe.
The track may be closed for short periods during the year for farming or cultural reasons. All closures will be publicly notified.
Contact Te Runanganui o Ngāti Porou before you start:
Address: 1 Barrys Avenue, Ruatoria 4032
Phone: +64 6 864 9004
Email: info@maungahikurangi.com
Te Runanganui o Ngāti Porou offers tours of the Maui Whakairo (including options for hikers).
Experience required
You need above average fitness, and a high level of experience in backcountry navigation and survival.
What to expect
Mt Hikurangi is an alpine environment (1752 m). The weather is unpredictable and can change rapidly. Expect rain, fog, cloud, strong winds, snow and extreme cold at any time of the year. Be prepared to turn back if weather conditions deteriorate.
This track is designed for walking during daylight hours only and is not safe to attempt in poor visibility.
The last 400 m is a scree slope. It's steep with unstable footing. Watch your footing to avoid causing rockfall and injury – extreme care is required. Do not attempt in conditions that are wet, windy, icy or visibility is poor.
What to take
Take warm and waterproof clothing, some form of communication, carry water and food.
Use map NZTopo50 BE44 Te Puia Springs. These can be purchased from local map stockists.
Accommodation
There is a hut available for public use on the track. It is administered by and bookings should be made through Te Runanganui o Ngāti Porou. Check alerts on this page to find out if it is closed. Camping is not permitted.
Be aware
No dogs, no guns and no mountain bikes are to be taken onto Pakihiroa Station.
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
| Turanganui-a-Kiwa / Gisborne Office | |
| Phone: | +64 6 869 0460 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | gisborne@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
63 Carnarvon Street Gisborne 4010 |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 668 Gisborne 4040 |
| Full office details | |