What Not to Miss When You Visit Mt Pirongia

GOOD VIEWS

Ruapane Lookout (Pirongia)

Drive to the carpark at the end of Corcoran Road, Te Pahu. 1 - 1½ hours walk from the carpark to the lookout. It is a steady climb up the Tirohanga Track to the Ruapane Lookout, but the track is well formed for most of the way and is suitable for family groups with moderate fitness.

In fine weather the view is superb.

Wharauroa Lookout (Pirongia)

Drive to the carpark at the end of Grey Road Te Pahu. 2-3 hours walk from the carpark to the lookout. The Mahaukura Track starts off at a fairly easy grade but it does get steeper.

The last 30 metres involves scrambling over a rocky outcrop, but the reward is an excellent view across the Waikato.

Karioi Lookout / Te Toto Track

Follow Whaanga Road south along the coast from Raglan to the Te Toto carpark. It is a 2½ -3 hour walk from the Te Toto carpark to the lookout. This is a fairly strenuous climb but the views along the coast are wonderful.

After crossing an open grassy area, the track follows a rocky ridge covered in windshorn trees. At a rocky bluff the track veers around to the left then climbs steeply to a prominent ridge. Look for the signposted sidetrack down to the lookout about 10-minute walk along this ridge.