Last Updated: 5th Sep 2024
Pirongia Summit via Hihikiwi
Pāhautea Hut
Hihikiwi Track
Last Updated: 5th Sep 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 34 ?
Gnarl Factor: 78 ?
12.0km
1255m
1250m
Last Updated: 5th Sep 2024
Hihikiwi Track
Last Updated: 5th Sep 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 34 ?
Gnarl Factor: 78 ?
12.0km
1255m
1250m
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Very hilly
Native bush
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +20.9%
Average Downhill Gradient: -20.8%
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4:00
Slow
3:00
Moderate
2
Fast
This route is the shortest track to Pahautea Hut, however, until it gets to the boardwalk it it is also one of the more technical tracks on the mountain.
The track starts straight into a set of stairs before settling into a steady climb for the next 2km in typical technical, muddy Pirongia style. From topping out on the first hill, there is a few more undulations before the final climb up to Hihikiwi, 905m. All that you have done before becomes worth it as from Hihikiwi to the hut is all high-level boardwalk.
Water at the hut if you like before carrying on to the summit. Give yourself a high five, turn around, and return to the car. You can wash off in the creek.
Pāhautea Hut. Hihikiwi Lookout. This is one of the best vantage points over the west coast harbours. This is part of the Te Araora Trail.
Nil
Parking is a small grass allotment on the opposite side of the road to the trail head.
25 km
No
No
Moderate.
Doc Track, follow orange triangles
Patchy.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Windproof jacket, First aid kit, Cellphone, Map
Stream water at trail head. Rain water in tanks at hut.
Muddy in Winter, muddy in Summer
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Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Pirongia Summit via Hihikiwi
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As described, this is a tough technical and muddy track. To be honest the boardwalk didn't feel like much of a reward as the legs were too tired to make the most of it. Save something for the "down" as it involves quite a bit of up too! I took 3 gels, a muesli bar and an banana plus electrolyte and was probably a bit under on the nutrition side - take generous amounts of fuel. A fun adventure but don't expect to actually run much.
October 5, 2024
The hiwikiwi track most be one of the muddiest in NZ and it's notorious for swallowing both shoes and time expectations. It's a bit of a rite of passage for Waikato trail walkers and runners so go for it! I do think the bird life is the best on that side of the mountain, so don't forget to look up whilst you're navigating the knee deep mud.
September 13, 2024
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