Hikurangi, Mt
Mt Hikurangi is the first place on the New Zealand mainland to see the sun each morning. There are amazing views of the East Coast coastline from the top on a sunny day. Hikurangi is the sacred mountain of Ng?ti Porou, and was said to be the first piece of land to emerge when M?ui fished up the North Island. According to tradition, M?ui?s canoe, Nukutaimemeha, remains stranded on the mountain peak.
NB Hikurangi may be closed for up to 50 days per year for lambing, cultural, spiritual, traditional or religious events. As Te Ara ki Hikurangi track crosses private land, visitors are requested to make contact with Te Runanganui o Ngati Porou before embarking on the track. They also offer a summit guide and an overnight guide.
Te Runanganui o Ngati Porou 1 Barrys Avenue Ruatoria 4032
Ph: +64 6 864 9004 or email: pbrooking@tronp.org.nz
| List Status | Official |
| Elevation | 1,752 m (5,748 ft) |
| Location/List | North Island, New Zealand |
| Region | Bay of Plenty/East Coast |
| Location Coordinates | 37° 55′ 9″ S, 178° 3′ 39″ E |
| Nearest Town/s | Ruatoria, Gisborne
|
| Range | Raukumara Ranges |
| Geology | Sedimentary |
| Translation | hiku?: summit; rangi?: sky |
| Recommended Route | |
|---|---|
Duration  |
9-12 hours or 2 days if staying overnight (return) |
| Distance | 8.0 km (5 mi) |
| Start/End Points | Pakihiroa Station (off Tapuaeroa Road) |
| Difficulty |
Hard |
| Track conditions |
4WD Road, Track, Marked Route, Scramble |
| Season |
All year (but may be closed for up to 50 days per year) |
| Sights | Hikurangi Hut, bush, lookout with views of the East Cape coastline, beacon at top |
| Hazards | Alpine weather |
Getting There
By Car
From Gisborne, drive along SH 35 for about 135km. Turn down Tapuaeroa Road and drive for 18 km until you reach the bridge leading to Pakihiroa Station.
Google Earth Map
- You can also
view Hikurangi, Mt in Google Earth
NZ Topographic Map
Our Recommended Route
The start of Te Ara ki Hikurangi track is located on Pahikiroa Station. There is a carpark just below the station manager’s house, where you can park.
You begin by walking up a farm track. As you ascend, the views get better and better. About 3-4 hours up (depending on your speed), you reach Hikurangi Hut. To stay at the hut you need to book with Te Runanga O Ngati Porou (contact details above).
If you want to see the sunrise you can hike to the hut in the afternoon, stay the night, then get up two hours before daybreak to complete the journey to the summit. Otherwise if you are a fast walker it is possible to complete the walk to the summit in one long day walk.
From the hut a well marked track continues up the mountain through bush and then alpine scrub. Near the summit there is a rocky scramble to the top. Views from the top are impressive on a sunny day, and you can see Mt Aorangi and the East Coast coastline. From the hut to the summit is 2 to 3 hours.
Route Options
There are two options:
- Climb Mt Hikurangi as a day walk (approx. 10 hours)
- Climb to Hikurangi Hut, stay overnight, and climb to the summit the following morning to watch the sunrise
Height Profile
