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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: -37.61384, 175.85427. 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
- 5.4 km return via same track
- Walking time
- 5 hr
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Kaimai Mamaku Conservation 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
A challenging climb to an isolated rock outcrop in the Kaimai Ranges that offers spectacular views across the valley.
This DOC directory entry covers Sentinel Rock Lookout Track in Bay of Plenty, within Kaimai Mamaku Conservation 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: 5.4 km return via same track
- Walking time: 5 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
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
This track is signposted off the Tuahu Track at the Tuahu Kauri approximately 25 minutes from the car park.
After a steep climb it travels along an undulating ridge to a view of Sentinel Rock, an isolated rock outcrop east of the Kaimai Range. The view of the surrounding valley is spectacular on a clear day.
The old track to the top of the rock is considered dangerous and should not be used.
Return on the same track.
Getting there
Located within the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park, these walks begin at the end of Hot Springs Road, just south of Katikati off SH2.
Know before you go
Consult a topographic map.
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.
