Ruapane Track
Alerts
NIWA weather risks
NIWA's Parks Weather site lists daily weather risks for the forecast point below.
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Forecast point: Mt Pirongia (959m) · 2.7km away
Check the DOC website for current alerts and conditions before you go. This site gets current alert info from DOC, but is not an official source of information.
Climb to a lookout on Mount Pirongia with excellent views across the Waikato Basin to the Kaimai Ranges.
Elevation
Cover mapped summer 2023/24.
Description
Ruapane Track starts at the Waite Road car park and goes up a slippery gully before reaching the bush edge. From here, the track follows a ridge that becomes steeper as it reaches the junction of the Tirohonga Track.
Continue along Tirohonga Track a short way up a rocky outcrop to reach the Ruapane Trig (723 m).
You can return along the same track, or take Tirohanga Track to Corcoran Road end.
Getting there
5.5 km north of Pirongia, turn off State Highway 39 onto Te Pahu Road, which is signposted for Pironga Forest Park. After 4.7 km, turn into Waite Road and follow this to the end.
Know before you go
Pack everything on the day hike packing list, including a waterproof raincoat, warm clothes and spare food.
Because of poorly drained soils, the tracks can be very muddy and slippery, especially after rain. We recommend sturdy shoes with good grip.
Check the Pirongia Mountain weather forecast – NIWA website
Weather
Forecast at the start of the track