Te Aroha Summit Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

A steep walk to the top of Mt Te Aroha, with spectacular views over the Waikato and Bay of Plenty. This track is the most direct route to the summit.

This DOC directory entry covers Te Aroha Summit 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: 3.9 km one way
• Walking time: 3 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.

Dog access

No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

Te Aroha Summit Track ascends almost 1 km from Te Aroha town to the top of Mt Te Aroha.

Follow the track from the Mokena Geyser in the Te Aroha Domain up the well benched track for 45 minutes to the Whakapipi Lookout. From the lookout, you can enjoy views over the Hauraki Plains.

The Kaimai-Mamaku Conservation Park begins just above the lookout. The track continues through a small saddle and then steeply up for another two hours to reach the summit. The track is steep and the surface is rough.

Mount Te Aroha provides 360 degree views across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty. Ruapehu, Ngāuruhoe and Taranaki are visible on a clear day. Be prepared for alpine weather conditions at the summit.

Return to Te Aroha via the same track (this is the most direct route). Alternatively, you can return via the Tui Mine Track for a longer loop, or via Waiorongomai Saddle and Tui Saddle for an even longer day walk.

Mountain biking

Mountain biking is prohibited.

Getting there

Te Aroha Summit Track begins in the Te Aroha Domain on Whitaker St.

Know before you go

Expect a steep and rough track

You need good fitness for this track – it climbs almost 1 km in height over a 3.9 km track. This means it is very steep.

The track is rough, so wear comfortable hiking boots/shoes with good grip and ankle support.

It can be very cold near the summit, pack warm clothes

The summit of Te Aroha is nearly 1 km above sea level. It experiences alpine weather and can be far colder than temperatures in Te Aroha. Even if it’s warm in the town, pack plenty of warm layers and a waterproof raincoat.

No water on track, carry lots

There are no water sources on the track and the long climb means walkers need lots of water. We recommend carrying 2-3 L of water per person.

Find a day hikes packing list here

No dogs

Dogs are not permitted on this 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.