Mount Hikurangi - Te Ara ki Hikurangi
WalkGisborne
- Grade
- Expert
- Walking time
- 7 hr
- Dogs
- No dogs
Getting there
We have not checked a road end or car park for this place yet, so we do not give driving directions to it. Check how to get there before you go. Some routes cross private land and need the landowner's permission.
How to get there, on doc.govt.nzThe 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.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 37.91371° S, 178.05356° E
About this place
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.
The route
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 10-bunk hut available for public use on the track. Make a booking via Maunga Hikurangi Tours website .
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Know before you go
Track condition
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. 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 administered by Te Runanganui o Ngāti Porou. Address: 1 Barrys Avenue, Ruatoria 4032, Phone: +64 6 864 9004, Email: info@maungahikurangi.com . Make hut bookings via Maunga Hikurangi Tours website . Check alerts on this page to find out if the track is closed. Camping is not permitted.
Be aware
No dogs, no guns and no mountain bikes are to be taken onto Pakihiroa Station.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Nearby stops
Hikurangi Hut
Gisborne • 1 km
Hikurangi Hut is a backcountry hut located in the Gisborne region. It provides basic shelter for tramps and hikers in the area.
Oronui Hut
Standard • 6 bunks • Gisborne • 6.2 km
Oronui Hut is a standard six-bunk hut located in the East Cape area of the Gisborne region.
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Green Hut
Bay of Plenty • 15.3 km
Notes from people who have been
No notes yet. If you have been, say what you found.
Something missing or out of date?
Closed, moved, wrong facts, or something we have missed? Travellers keep the Road Guide up to date. Tell us what you found at contribute@parkup.nz and we will check it and add it.
Ask us to take this down
A person reads every request. We do not remove a place until we have checked it.
Sources
- DOC Tracks (API) · CC BY 4.0Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai. Data sourced from the DOC Developer Portal (api.doc.govt.nz).