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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: -38.12088, 176.18929. 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
- 2.4 km return via same track
- Walking time
- 1 hr 30 min one way
- Track grade
- Intermediate
- Location
- Mount Ngongotaha Scenic Reserve
- 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
The only walking track up to the summit of Mt Ngongotaha. It passes through native forest with views of one of the largest rātā trees in the Bay of Plenty.
This DOC directory entry covers Mt Ngongotaha Jubilee Track in Bay of Plenty, within Mount Ngongotaha Scenic Reserve. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 2.4 km return via same track
- Walking time: 1 hr 30 min one way
- DOC grade: Intermediate
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.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
The first part of the walk follows an easy grade through unlogged native bush, which features a large rātā tree (40 m tall with a 1.8 m girth) with a viewing platform. It continues on the Mt Ngongotaha Nature Loop Track.
When you reach the Jubilee Track the walk becomes moderately steep until near the summit. Once Mountain Rd is reached it is a short walk to the summit.
Getting there
The track to the summit of Ngongotaha starts from the Violet Bonnington Reserve located at the Rotorua end of Paradise Valley road. This is a 15 minute drive from the city centre.
Know before you go
This track is available for walking only - mountain biking is not permitted.
You will need to be well prepared when tramping on conservation land, especially on the longer day walks. Ensure you have strong, comfortable boots, warm clothing, a good raincoat, first aid kit, food and drink, a hat and sunscreen. It is also advisable to leave your tramping intentions with a responsible person, in case you get lost.
History and culture
The original Jubilee Track was cut on Jubilee Day, January 29 1890, marking 50 years since Captain Hobson arrived at Waitangi. It needed to be reached over private land with Forest and Bird purchasing the land adjacent. The Mount Ngongotaha Bush Restoration Trust then developed a connecting track from the Violet Bonnington Reserve to the bottom of the Jubilee Track.
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.
