By Outdoor Next Editorial standards
On this page
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: -36.20072, 175.42521. 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
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 4 hr one way
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Great Barrier Island/Aotea
- 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
This track traverses through regenerating forests and offers breathtaking views at the top of Mt Hobson summit.
This DOC directory entry covers Peach Tree Track to Mt Hobson (Hirakimata) in Auckland, within Great Barrier Island/Aotea. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time: 4 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.
- Kaiaraara Track closure; First published on 20 March 2023. Last reviewed on 28 March 2026.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
The track starts from the hot pools via the Kaitoke Hot Springs Track. After a brief, steep climb and descent, the track joins Tramline Track with reminders of loggers’ toil and journeys of 80 years ago. Soon after, Peach Tree Track appears on the left and the climb to the summit begins through regenerating forest.
Thirty to forty-five minutes from the summit, the track passes Mt Heale and Mt Heale Hut. Wake up to wide views from the northwest through to the south.
Getting there
Start Kaitoke Hot Springs Track from Whangaparapara Road.
Nature and conservation
Nearing the summit, the track leads into mature forest where logging was too difficult and fires on the lower slopes did not reach. Remnants of an ancient and precious conifer forest, rimu, Kirk’s pine, pink pine and kauri, can be seen here.
Keep an eye out for black petrel. Once widespread on the North Island, breeding colonies of these large, burrow-nesting seabirds are now confined to Great Barrier Island Aotea and Hauturu / Little Barrier Island. The main colony on Great Barrier Island Aotea breeds on the slopes of Mt Hobson (Hirakimata) between October and May each year. Mature birds spend months at sea flying as far as South America and only return to the island to breed. Watch out for them on the road at night.
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.
