Pukapuka

Pukapuka is pretty much in the middle of an infamous trail of the same name, made famous by the Xterra Trail series. Starting at the Upper Mangatawhiri Dam camp carpark you have two choices: 1: Head over the Dam and up Lilburne Road (closed to vehicles) access road. Once over the Dam you have approximately 2.5km of climbing up the road (and about 250m vert) to the sign for the entrance to the Pukapuka Track. From the start of the track it is about 3.6km to the highpoint of Pukapuka. There is no sign or trig, just a clearing in the trees. 2: Head down the road in the opposite direction to the Dam and onto A.R.A. Drive (another no vehicle access road, follow this road for 2.2km and at the intersection veer left on to Mangatangi Hill Road. Follow this road for approximatel 3.5km and you will see the sign for the other end of Pukapuka Track. From this end it is about 2.6km to the peak. Before you head on to Pukapuka Track from the second option or at the end of the trail the other way, you can carry on up Mangatangi Hill Road for another 700m or so and tick that peak off as well with the bonus that you get the views on Mangatangi that you don't get on Pukapuka.

Mike Tennent

December 20, 2021