Description
Time:
Car park to hut: 4 - 5 hr
Hut to summit: 2 - 3 hr
Walk across Pakihiroa Station to Hikurangi summit. Yellow markers show the route from the carpark to the hut. Marker poles show the route from the hut up the mountain, although the last 400 m up a scree slope are unmarked - keep left all the way.
Getting there
The track starts 25 km from Ruatoria. Turn off SH 35 onto the gravel Tapuaeroa Valley Road and follow the signs for Pakihiroa Station.
There is a formal carpark just below the station manager's house. There is no public vehicle access past this point.
Know before you go
Te Ara ki Hikurangi track crosses private farmland - leave gates as you find them and don't disturb stock.
All visitors are to use the intentions form located at the farm managers house.
Contact Te Runanganui o Ngāti Porou before you start:
Te Runanganui o Ngāti Porou
1 Barrys Avenue
Ruatoria 4032
Phone: +64 6 864 9004
Email: Hikurangihutt@tronp.org.nz or info@tronp.org.nz
The track may be closed for short periods during the year for farming or cultural reasons. All closures will be publicly notified.
Te Runanganui o Ngāti Porou offer 4WD tours to the Maui Whakairo, as well as a summit guide and an overnight guide.
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 - extreme care is required.
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, administered by Te Runanganui o Ngāti Porou. 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.