Mahaukura Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

This track takes in the Wharauroa and Mahaukura Lookouts on its way up to the summit of Mount Pirongia.

This DOC directory entry covers Mahaukura 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: 9 km one way
• Walking time: 4-6 hr one way
• 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.

Dog access

No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

Mahaukura TrackImage: Sean Willcock | Creative Commons

This track lead to Wharauroa Lookout (850 m) with one of the best views from Mount Pirongia of Hamilton, Te Awamutu and the surrounding landscape. Further on, Mahaukura Lookout (902 m) has further views south toward the King Country.

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.

There is also an option for a round trip.

Tirohanga to Mahaukura round trip

Time: 8–11 hr returnDistance: 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.

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.

Know before you go

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

A good level of fitness is required for these tracks.

Expect steep and challenging sections of track. You will have to scramble up rocky ridges, clambering over boulders and using chains to keep your balance. There are some steep drops near the track.

Bell Track and Tahuanui Track do not require climbing chains, so they are good alternatives if you are not confident on very rough, uneven terrain.

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 (external site).

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.