Walking to the peak of Mt Pirongia
programme is aerial dropping of 1080 pellets which has its own pros and cons arguments.
This walk would be a very interesting trip for an arborist/plant taxonomist. Bird watchers can also equally enjoy seeing quite a few species including common fan tail and tui in the lower alttitude.
After about 15 minutes walk the Wharauroa Track junction is met. It is just another track to access the peak. We walked on uphill for about 20 minutes before we reached the next level of height at Mahaukura (899 m).
Down below is the Mangakara Stream and other side is the slope of Tirohanga and Ruapane hills. Mt Pirongia peak is visible in the south west, looking slightly higher from here.
We walked up a few steps to the peak where a raised wooden deck is constructed for convenience of looking around. It was about 1.30pm and we had quick lunch and some rest before we continued on the track.
We had to come back to the junction where the Mahaukura Track diverts to one going to Cone (another peak and viewpoint) and continuing to Bell Track on the left side but we continued towards Tirohanga Peak.
In about 20 minutes walk the Tirohanga Track goes northwest to become Tahuanui track on the left. We continued on Tirohanga track.
We were practically running on this descending track and bypassing Tirohanga peak which is reportedly a pinnacle of hardened lava and reminds us of its volcanic origin.
After descending for nearly an hour we reached Ruapane Lookout (723 m).
This was a beautiful place with stunning views all around. We deserved some rest and hydrated ourselves with our almost last gulp of water from our bottles. Cool breeze worked as air conditioner to refresh us. We then decided to make our way down.
After 20 minutes or so we came to a junction where Tirohanga Track becomes Ruapane Track. We continued on Ruapane Track enjoying the vegetation and scenery.
Soon Ruapane Track met the Link Track where we saw tall trees and mixed with amazingly tall tree ferns. The Link Track took us to Mangakara Nature Walk Track.
It was getting late and we wanted to get back to the car park before dark, so we walked pretty fast and at one point we took a short cut to go down and crossed the stream to get to the track that led to Grey Road car park.
Walking to the peak of Mt Pirongia is “My Favourite Walk”. It is attractively located amidst Pirongia Forest Park. It is quite a challenging walk through up and down undulating hill ridges, through lush green native bush.
The tree profile changes as the altitude changes. The sceneries along the track and from different viewpoints, especially from the peak, are stunning. Depending on which route is chosen it is 15km to 19 km and gives pretty good Above: View of Mt Pirongia peak from Wharauroa.
. workout to the body for the day. I really loved it.
There are many interesting things to see in different walks within the park but one cannot cover all in a day trip. We were satisfied that our wish to walk to Mt Pirongia peak was fulfilled.
Weather was very favourable. Visibility was not bad. It took nearly nine hours (including breaks) for us to cover the 15km loop.
I feel it was full of education and excitement. The tracks have been routinely improved since then. It is worth doing for every avid walker. No one loses anything but unwanted body fat instead gains all expected and unexpected benefits.
I dedicate this article to the memory of my friend John who is no more with us.