Baldy, Mt
Situated just above Te Rereatukahia Hut, Mt Baldy is a tussock covered peak on the ridgeline of the Kaimai Ranges. Although there are higher peaks nearby, Mt Baldy is the most accessible, and provides tremendous views across the Hauraki Plains to the west, and over the Bay of Plenty to the east.
| List Status | Official |
| Elevation | 735 m (2,411 ft) |
| Location/List | North Island, New Zealand |
| Region | Bay of Plenty/East Coast |
| Location Coordinates | 37° 35′ 1″ S, 175° 49′ 37″ E |
| Nearest Town/s | Katikati, Tauranga
|
| LINZ Topographic map/s | BC35 Paeroa |
| Range | Kaimai |
| Geology | Volcano |
| Recommended Route | |
|---|---|
Duration  |
6-8 hours (return) |
| Distance | 9.0 km (5.6 mi) |
| Start/End Points | Hot Springs Road, off SH 2 (just south of Katikati) |
| Difficulty |
Medium |
| Track conditions |
Path, Track |
| Season |
All year |
| Sights | Views , Views to Hauraki Plains, Tauranga, Mt Maunganui & Mayor Island; Te Rereatukahia Hut |
Google Earth Map
- You can also
view Baldy, Mt in Google Earth
NZ Topographic Map
Our Recommended Route
The circuit from Hot Springs Road to Mt Baldy and back to Hot Springs Road can be done in either direction, or as a simple return journey. If you prefer a steeper ascent, and a gentler descent, then following the walk anticlockwise is recommended.
The track to Te Rereatukahia Hut is 50 m before the road-end carpark. You drop down to a river which you have to cross, then follow the track to a stand of kauri trees. After the stand, the track gets steeper, and then undulates across a series of saddles. The track meets a junction and becomes the main track, then climbs to the ridge-top and the Rereatukahia Hut (2-3 hours).
Follow the main track until you reach a side track on the right which leads to Mt. Baldy. The track may be overgrown, so you may have to push through some vegetation. The vegetation becomes tussocky and eventually you reach the summit of Mt. Baldy. Great views of the Kaimai Range and the Bay of Plenty can be seen from this viewpoint.
At this point you can simple return the way you came, or complete the loop by continuing to follow the main north-south track. Eventually you reach a four-way junction where you join the Tuahu Track which leads you back to Hot Springs Road.
If you are keen, at the four-way junction (where you join Tuahu Track) you can also do a 30 minute side trip up Kakarahi Knob (641 m).