Waikato / King Country

Waikato / King Country

Pirongia Traverse - OPEN

<  Waipa Walk
Pirongia to Waitomo  >
Northern Start
DOC picnic area, Limeworks Loop Rd
Southern End
Junction of Pirongia West Rd with Omanawa Stream.
Distance
16.5km
Time
1-2 days
Track Standard
Road margin   Footpath   Easy tramping track   Tramping track   Route   Mixed grade  
Potential Hazards
  • Poisons & traps
  • Small stream crossings
  • Weather extremes Wait it out in hut if weather closes in.
  • Few water sources
  • Hut water may need to be treated.
Description
(North to South)

This traverse of Pirongia Mountain starts with DOC's Nikau Walk - an easy stroll south from the Kaniwhaniwha carpark, following the stream through a forest of plantings. Shortly after leaving the farmland and just before a circular walk through beautiful native forest, you take the Tahuanui Track leading off to the South-East and a picnic/campsite clearing with toilets and the last opportunity for swimming before starting the ascent to the summit.

The Tahuanui Track then climbs steadily up a ridge through stands of tawa to the summit ridge where several tracks converge on the 959m summit of Pirongia.  This would have taken you 4-5 hours so far. 30min beyond the summit in a westerly direction is the Pahautea Hut. It is generally a good idea to overnight in this hut and continue south the following day.
 
From the hut, you continue westward on the new Noel Sandford boardwalk, following the Hihikiwi Track with good views to the south. 1km below Hihikiwi Peak and about 600m before Te Akeohikopiro Peak, you take a new spur track heading off in a SW direction. Follow this all the way down to Pirongia West Rd.

 

Downloads

  Download Map 1 (map037)

  Download Map 2 (map038)

  Download Trail Notes (Pirongia Traverse)

Note: Map is indicative only
Toggle Track
Extra Info

Weather on Pirongia
Weather conditions can change rapidly, especially at higher altitudes. Always carry a change of clothing, wet weather gear and sufficient food to cater for any emergency.

Accommodation - Pahautea Hut
Pahautea Hut is the only hut in the park. Sleeps 20 people on two platform bunks with mattresses.
It has a water supply (recommend you treat the water) but no heating or cooking facilities, so you should take a portable cooker.
There are also campsites and a camping shelter at the hut. Fires are not permitted.

What to expect on a tramping track:
  • Track is mostly unformed with steep, rough or muddy sections
  • Suitable for people with good fitness. Moderate to high level backcountry skills and experience, including navigation and survival skills required
  • Track has markers, poles or rock cairns. Expect unbridged stream and river crossings
  • Tramping/hiking boots required.
Requirements
  • Keep to the track
  • No litter
  • No dogs
  • No firearms
  • No fires
Environment
  • Take all rubbish with you
  • Bury toilet waste well away from water
  • Kiwis - no dogs allowed
  • Conservation Area - No domestic animals allowed (i.e. includes dogs, cats or birds)
Amenities
(Start)
  • Car park
  • Picnic area
  • Toilets
Amenities
(On Route)
  • Basic camp site
  • Accommodation Pahautea Hut with shelter, mattresses & water.
Amenities
(End)
  • No amenities
Closest Town(s)
Pirongia
Managed by
DOC Waikato
Links

http://www.doc.govt.nz/pa...

Northern Start
DOC picnic area, Limeworks Loop Rd
Southern End
Junction of Pirongia West Rd with Omanawa Stream.
Distance
16.5km
Time
1-2 days
Track Standard
Road margin   Footpath   Easy tramping track   Tramping track   Route   Mixed grade  
Description
(North to South)

This traverse of Pirongia Mountain starts with DOC's Nikau Walk - an easy stroll south from the Kaniwhaniwha carpark, following the stream through a forest of plantings. Shortly after leaving the farmland and just before a circular walk through beautiful native forest, you take the Tahuanui Track leading off to the South-East and a picnic/campsite clearing with toilets and the last opportunity for swimming before starting the ascent to the summit.

The Tahuanui Track then climbs steadily up a ridge through stands of tawa to the summit ridge where several tracks converge on the 959m summit of Pirongia.  This would have taken you 4-5 hours so far. 30min beyond the summit in a westerly direction is the Pahautea Hut. It is generally a good idea to overnight in this hut and continue south the following day.
 
From the hut, you continue westward on the new Noel Sandford boardwalk, following the Hihikiwi Track with good views to the south. 1km below Hihikiwi Peak and about 600m before Te Akeohikopiro Peak, you take a new spur track heading off in a SW direction. Follow this all the way down to Pirongia West Rd.

 

Potential Hazards
  • Poisons & traps
  • Small stream crossings
  • Weather extremes Wait it out in hut if weather closes in.
  • Few water sources
  • Hut water may need to be treated.
Description
(North to South)

This traverse of Pirongia Mountain starts with DOC's Nikau Walk - an easy stroll south from the Kaniwhaniwha carpark, following the stream through a forest of plantings. Shortly after leaving the farmland and just before a circular walk through beautiful native forest, you take the Tahuanui Track leading off to the South-East and a picnic/campsite clearing with toilets and the last opportunity for swimming before starting the ascent to the summit.

The Tahuanui Track then climbs steadily up a ridge through stands of tawa to the summit ridge where several tracks converge on the 959m summit of Pirongia.  This would have taken you 4-5 hours so far. 30min beyond the summit in a westerly direction is the Pahautea Hut. It is generally a good idea to overnight in this hut and continue south the following day.
 
From the hut, you continue westward on the new Noel Sandford boardwalk, following the Hihikiwi Track with good views to the south. 1km below Hihikiwi Peak and about 600m before Te Akeohikopiro Peak, you take a new spur track heading off in a SW direction. Follow this all the way down to Pirongia West Rd.

 

Downloads

  Download Map 1 (map037)

  Download Map 2 (map038)

  Download Trail Notes (Pirongia Traverse)

Note: Map is indicative only
Toggle Track
Extra Info

Weather on Pirongia
Weather conditions can change rapidly, especially at higher altitudes. Always carry a change of clothing, wet weather gear and sufficient food to cater for any emergency.

Accommodation - Pahautea Hut
Pahautea Hut is the only hut in the park. Sleeps 20 people on two platform bunks with mattresses.
It has a water supply (recommend you treat the water) but no heating or cooking facilities, so you should take a portable cooker.
There are also campsites and a camping shelter at the hut. Fires are not permitted.

What to expect on a tramping track:
  • Track is mostly unformed with steep, rough or muddy sections
  • Suitable for people with good fitness. Moderate to high level backcountry skills and experience, including navigation and survival skills required
  • Track has markers, poles or rock cairns. Expect unbridged stream and river crossings
  • Tramping/hiking boots required.
Requirements
  • Keep to the track
  • No litter
  • No dogs
  • No firearms
  • No fires
Environment
  • Take all rubbish with you
  • Bury toilet waste well away from water
  • Kiwis - no dogs allowed
  • Conservation Area - No domestic animals allowed (i.e. includes dogs, cats or birds)
Amenities
(Start)
  • Car park
  • Picnic area
  • Toilets
Amenities
(On Route)
  • Basic camp site
  • Accommodation Pahautea Hut with shelter, mattresses & water.
Amenities
(End)
  • No amenities
Closest Town(s)
Pirongia
Managed by
DOC Waikato
Links

http://www.doc.govt.nz/pa...