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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -38.01021, 175.08028. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- 4.8 km to the lookout | 6.4 km one way to the summit return via same track
- Walking time
- 3 - 4 hr one way to the lookout | 4 - 6 hr one way to the summit
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Pirongia Forest Park
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
Hihikiwi Track is the shortest track to Pāhautea Hut and Pirongia summit. Walk to the lookout point on Mount Pirongia for one of the best vantage points over the west coast harbours. This track is part of Te Araroa Trail.
This DOC directory entry covers Hihikiwi Track in Waikato, within Pirongia Forest Park. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 4.8 km to the lookout | 6.4 km one way to the summit return via same track
- Walking time: 3 - 4 hr one way to the lookout | 4 - 6 hr one way to the summit
- DOC grade: Advanced
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Pirongia track closures; First published on 14 February 2026. Last reviewed on 6 October 2026.
Pirongia West Road open for light vehicles; First published on 24 March 2026. Last reviewed on 30 July 2026.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
This track is part of Te Araroa Trail.
The track starts off steeply from Pirongia West Road before settling into a steady climb to Hihikiwi Lookout (905 m). This is one of the best vantage points over the west coast harbours. It's also great place to watch the sunset if staying at Pāhautea Hut.
The track is muddy in places with some sections of boardwalk and a wooden viewing platform at the lookout.
From the lookout, there's an elevated boardwalk and steps all the way to the hut (800 m). It's another 30 min from the hut to the summit.
Getting there
3 km north of Te Rauamoa, turn off SH31 onto Te Rauamoa Road, which becomes Pirongia West Road. The start of the track is about 7 km from the turn off.
Know before you go
A good level of fitness is required for these tracks.
Always pack plenty of warm clothing and a waterproof raincoat. Bring a torch and spare batteries, in case you find the walk takes you longer than expected and it starts to get dark. Find a full list of what to pack
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.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
