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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: -39.16518, 175.84162. 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
- 6.6 km return via same track
- Walking time
- 3–4 hr
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Kaimanawa Forest Park
- Dog access
- Dogs with a DOC permit only. Contact closest DOC office to get a permit. 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
Mount Urchin offers an easily accessible wilderness of beautiful beech forest, incredible views and a real alpine environment.
This DOC directory entry covers Mt Urchin Trig Track in Central North Island, within Kaimanawa 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: 6.6 km return via same track
- Walking time: 3–4 hr
- 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.
Dog access
Dogs with a DOC permit only. Contact closest DOC office to get a permit. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
The track climbs steadily up through beech forest and above the bush line to the Urchin Trig (1391 m). The upper section of the track has an interesting array of alpine plants and a wide vista of Lake Taupō and the volcanoes of the Tongariro National Park.
Mountain biking
No mountain biking allowed.
Getting there
Turn off SH1 onto Kaimanawa Road 17 km south of Tūrangi.
Travel 3.5 km to the junction.
Turn right onto the Urchin Campsite road.
Follow this road past the Pillar of Hercules and Urchin Campsite. We recommend using high ground clearance or 4WD vehicles on this road.
Continue on up to the end of the road where you will see the Urchin Track entrance.
Know before you go
Check the forecast
The weather in Kaimanawa Forest Park is extremely changeable. Be prepared for cold and wet conditions even in summer, by carrying a waterproof jacket and warm clothing.
Check weather forecast
Pack well for your day walk
Find a day walk packing list hereThere are no water sources on the track, carry plenty of water.
The track is rough and uneven underfoot, we recommend sturdy footwear.
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.
