At around a 1.5-2 hour drive from Auckland City, and closer still to Hamilton, Mt Pirongia and its trails are popular for hikers seeking a challenging overnight trip close to home. This Hut also serves as a stopover point along the Te Araroa Trail. The soils here can be poorly draining and prone to becoming muddy but impressive views along the way are worth the effort.
Time to complete
1-2 Days
Accommodation style
Back-country hut OR Camping
Track type
Return via same track
Distance
12km
Difficulty
Medium
Bookings required
None
Spend the night in a hut perched atop Mt Pirongia
Incredible views over the surrounding landscapes
A lush forest walk and extensive boardwalks
Moderately challenging climb
Great sunset/sunrise spot close to the hut
Mt Pirongia Forest Park is a small range of volcanic peaks located close to Hamilton, New Zealand. A fairy modern Hut sits atop of the range boasting impressive views east over the Waikato farmland and west over to the ocean. Of the many tracks that lead to the Hut, Hihikiwi is the shortest, however don’t let the 6.4km distance fool you into thinking it’s easy. The track is constantly in a state of going moderately up with some extra moderate descents and further ascents along the way. The trail is somewhat technical for half of the climb and the other half being fairly easy on timber boardwalks. Another track to the summit, the Tirohanga Track is an equally great trip to the summit with some impressive viewpoints along the way, however is a bit more strenuous. The views at the top are the best reward and the best are right from the Hut on it’s extensive deck.
Track condition
-Half the trail is on timber boardwalks
-The other half in dry conditions (Summer) is generally quite good condition but does deteriorate during wetter periods with muddy patches and moderate slopes with tree roots to navigate
Optionals
-At the top, there is a lookout point that isn’t far from the hut
-In addition there is a peak nearby that can be reached in half an hour
Not very far out of Hamilton, this track to the summit starts on the western side of the summit. After leaving the sealed highways, a short gravel road must be taken until the trailhead is reached with a small area to park your car. I would suggest leaving no valuables in your car at this location.
Trail start and finish location: Pirongia West Road
-Huts:
Pahautea Hut can get quite popular so it would pay to bring an extra mattress or two if heading there in a group of 3+.
-Camping:
There are plenty of camping spots near the Hut and there is a camping shelter for campers
-Booking:
No bookings required however campers must use the shelter rather than the Hut unless a hut ticket is used by them
-Back-country hut pass:
Can be used for Paheatea Hut (20 bunks)
The walk itself is quite sheltered however temperatures at the hut/campsite can drop below freezing in the shoulder seasons on occasion. Check the forecast.
Summer | Example packing list
Spring + Autnum | Example packing list
Possible given the correct gear is taken (Crampons, ice axe, etc) .The ease of the route finding here means it’s a good location to practice using these items for more technical trips.
Department of conservation website | Mt Pirongia Weather (Mountain-forecast)
6km | 3-5 Hours
3-5hr
The track starts under the tree line with a fairly consistent moderate gradient through the forest. If you’re lucky the trail is quite dry and only a few patches of boggy mud to navigate through with boardwalks covering the wettest parts. However after large amounts of rain the track is quite slippery and about 5 hours for slower parties. Once you emerge above the tree line, you’ll be met with an impressive boardwalk above the scrub below and a great outlook on the surrounding landscapes.
0.25hr
From this view point, it’s just an easy 10-15min walk up to the hut.
6km | 2-4 Hours
4-5hr
The track returns on the same track back to the carpark. Allow 4 hours in wet conditions as the track can get quite slippery and muddy on the way down
Optional - Additional 1hr return
A side trip to Mt Pirongia is easy and is reached by walking past the Helipad from the Hut
Pouakai Circuit
Be in awe of one of the most iconic peaks of New Zealand
Waipakihi Hut
An alpine adventure in the Kaimanawa ranges
