Pirongia 4th - 5th Nov 2023
Mt Pirongia is the highest mountain in the Waikato with its peak at 959 metres.
This is classic backcountry tramping for fit, experienced trampers. Both parties will encounter some steep climbs and descents.
Track will be slippery and overgrown in parts.
Sat 4th November
Morning Leave Como St at 7.00am, arrive 9.00am
Drive to Kaniwhaniwha Reserve carpark, on Limeworks Loop Rd
Fit Party A will head up the Bell Track
Time: 6 - 10 hr one way
Distance: 18.5 km
Saturday: Follow the Nikau Walk on to the Bell Track and past the Kaniwhaniwha Caves. Cross the bridge near the big kahikatea and climb a spur to Central Clearing. The track becomes quite muddy at this point and continues along the ridge to the Cone (second highest point on the mountain) and then to Pahautea Hut for the night.
Medium/Fit Party B will head up the Tahuanui Track
Time: 4 - 5 hr one way
Distance: 10.7 km
Saturday: Follow the Nikau Walk to the Kaniwhaniwha campsite. The Tahuanui Track leaves the campsite past the toilets beside the stream and climbs steadily up a ridge to join the Tirohanga Track before the summit. Expect to see some fantastic views from the top. It is another 30 min to Pahautea Hut for the night.
Sunday 5th November
Trampers will have the option to take either the Tahuanui or the Mahaukura 4.5 – 6hr (Good fitness required) track down. A Driver + 3 others will have to return via Tahuanui track to do this. Pick up Mahaukura trampers from Grey Rd carpark (20 min drive).
Maximum trip number 20. 15 bunks in the hut and 5 tent sites have been booked.
(Note this is a bookable hut, so there is no guarantee of a bed if you change your mind about tenting on the day!).
Cost: Hut $70 including $15 Hut Fee.
Cost: Tenting $55 Tent site.
Select Party option on registration
Fit Party - Maximum 8
Medium/Fit Party B- Maximum 12
***PLEASE NOTE EARLY DEPARTURE TIME***
Depart: 7.00am Como St, Takapuna
Organiser: Garry Brooks 021 269 2196
Driver/s: TBC
MAPS : Online/GPS/Printable
