Peach Tree Track to Mt Hobson (Hirakimata)

The track starts from the hot pools via the Kaitoke Hot Springs Track. After a brief, steep climb and descent, the track joins Tramline Track with reminders of loggers’ toil and journeys of 80 years ago. Soon after, Peach Tree Track appears on the left and the climb to the summit begins through regenerating forest.

Thirty to forty-five minutes from the summit, the track passes Mt Heale and Mt Heale Hut. Wake up to wide views from the northwest through to the south.

Mt Heale Hut

Start Kaitoke Hot Springs Track from Whangaparapara Road.

Nearing the summit, the track leads into mature forest where logging was too difficult and fires on the lower slopes did not reach. Remnants of an ancient and precious conifer forest, rimu, Kirk’s pine, pink pine and kauri, can be seen here.

Keep an eye out for black petrel. Once widespread on the North Island, breeding colonies of these large, burrow-nesting seabirds are now confined to Great Barrier Island Aotea and Hauturu / Little Barrier Island. The main colony on Great Barrier Island Aotea breeds on the slopes of Mt Hobson (Hirakimata) between October and May each year. Mature birds spend months at sea flying as far as South America and only return to the island to breed. Watch out for them on the road at night.