For the safety of our native and endangered wildlife YOU MUST check your bags for mice BEFORE you enter the mountain.

If you choose to walk on the main mountain you need to be prepared – Maungatautari is a 3,400 hectare mountain and as such the weather can change.

• Ensure you have sufficient warm clothing, wet weather gear, food and water
• Most of the track is the original forest track – expect to scramble over the tree roots and up and down the valleys
• You need to tell someone where you are going and when you are likely to return
• Follow the orange markers – DO NOT follow the pink markers – they are for monitoring purposes only
• Plan your trip and leave in plenty of time – if you are running late leave your trip for another day

Please be aware that because a pest eradication operation and concurrent research monitoring is underway on Maungatautari brodifacoum laced baits and pest traps will occasionally be laid as required.

For your safety and enjoyment and to ensure accurate pest monitoring is conducted we advise the following:

• DO NOT handle any bait
• Children must be supervised at all times
• Absolutely NO DOGS permitted on the mountain (except those stated above)
• Please keep to the tracks
• Do not interfere with the tracking tunnels

Hicks Road is located off Maungatautari Road and opposite Maungatautari School.

Time: To summit (Maungatautari Peak)1 hour 45 minutes
To Tari Road: 5-6 hours
Grade: To summit: Moderate
Summit to Tari Rd: Moderate - difficult

Park at the end of Hicks Road and walk up the signposted track beside the farmhouse. Follow the orange markers across the paddock and head directly up the hill to the forest line.

The walk up the hill is fairly gradual, though still steep enough that you would need reasonable fitness (especially if you intend crossing right over to Tari Road). The view over Lake Karapiro is fabulous – take a few minutes to enjoy and get your breath back.

Please note that you do not walk through the northern enclosure to reach Maungatautari peak or to walk across the mountain.

The last portion to the summit is boardwalked to avoid the mud. The summit itself is surrounded by forest. From this point you can return the way you came or continue along the ridge to Pukeatua (peak) and Tari Road.

The track from Hicks Road to Pukeatua peak is the original forest track – expect to climb over tree roots and up and down valleys – it is slippery and muddy when wet.

You will need to organise shuttle transport for either of the last two options.

Tari Road is on the southern side of the mountain. It is off Arapuni Road and is opposite the Pukeatua school.

Time: to Pukeatua peak: 1 ½ – 2 hours
To Hicks Road: 5-6 hours
Grade: Moderate to difficult

Drive to the end of Tari Road. Follow the track to the left of the southern enclosure.

The main track to Pukeatua peak is clearly marked on your left – about 10 minutes from the car park.

There are now two tracks to Pukeatua peak, both signposted, ingeniously named the new track and the old track. The new track is wider, metalled and with an easier camber. The old track is the original forest track which is narrow and steep in sections – it is slippery in the wet. If you choose this option be sure you have a good fitness level.

Regardless of which track you choose there is a 20 minute scramble on the final section to Pukeatua peak.

The view from Pukeatua peak across to the Kaimai Range, Pirongia, Pureora Forest Park and Karioi is fabulous – even on a cloudy day!

If you are continuing across the mountain you will be on the original forest track from Pukeatua peak for the reminder of the journey. Once again it is steep in sections, muddy and slippery when wet.

Remember to organise return transport.

Please note that dogs are no longer permitted anywhere on Maungatautari unless they are muzzled certified predator/species or guide dogs.