Pirongia summit via Mahaukura and Tirohanga Tracks
Located in Pirongia Forest Park in the Waikato region
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Introduction
Choose a there-and-back track to the summit of Mount Pirongia, or combine the tracks for a circuit trip to Pāhautea Hut. There are climbing chains on difficult parts of the track.Dog access
Mahaukura Track
Image: Sean Willcock | Creative Commons
Mahaukura Track
Time: 4–6 hr one way
Distance: 9 km
From Grey Road car park, follow the track to Wharauroa Lookout then on for another 30 min to Mahaukura. The track undulates over small peaks and is uneven underfoot.
From Mahaukura, the track descends steeply before climbing again towards Pirongia summit viewing tower. There are climbing chains on difficult parts of the track
This track can also be accessed off O’Shea Road via the Wharauroa Track.
Getting there: The track starts 11 km north of Pirongia. 5.5 km north of Pirongia, turn off SH39 onto Te Pahu Road. Take the first left turn into Hodgson Road, then turn left turn into Grey Road and follow this to the end.
Tirohanga Track
Time: 3–5 hr one way
Distance: 6.5 km
The track starts from Corcoran Road, climbs to Ruapane then traverses an undulating ridge on uneven ground before passing Tirohanga Bluff, a pinnacle of hard lava signifying its volcanic origins. The track then descends and climbs before reaching the Pirongia summit. There are climbing chains on difficult parts of the track
On a clear day look for Mt Taranaki and Mt Ruapehu in the distance.
Getting there: 5.5 km north of Pirongia, turn off SH39 onto Te Pahu Road, which is signposted for Pironga Forest Park. After 5.6 km, turn into Corcoran Road and follow this to the end.
Tirohanga to Mahaukura round trip
Time: 8–11 hr return
Distance: 17 km
This is a popular round trip for people overnighting at Pāhautea Hut. Cross from Grey Road car park to Ruapane via the Mangakara Nature Walk and Link Track then follow the Tirohanga Track to the summit viewing tower. Return via Mahaukura Track to Grey Road. This is the easier circuit rather than doing it the other way round via Mahaukura then Tirohanga.
A good level of fitness is required for these tracks.
The high level tracks on Pirongia follow steep-sided ridges. Water is difficult to find, especially in summer, so be sure to take sufficient drinking water with you.
Because of poorly drained soils, the tracks can be very muddy, especially after rain.
Check the Pirongia Mountain weather forecast – NIWA website.
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
| Te Rapa Office | |
| Phone: | +64 7 850 8378 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | waikato@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
5 Northway St Te Rapa Hamilton 3200 |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 20025 Te Rapa Hamilton 3241 |
| Full office details | |