Last Updated: 4th Apr 2025
Aotea Track, Great Barrier Island
Last Updated: 4th Apr 2025
Grunt Factor: 46 ?
Gnarl Factor: 31 ?
31.0km
1700m
1700m
627m
Last Updated: 4th Apr 2025
Last Updated: 4th Apr 2025
Grunt Factor: 46 ?
Gnarl Factor: 31 ?
31.0km
1700m
1700m
627m
Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Undulating, some big hills
Native bush
Open ridges/tops
Gravel Road
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +10.4%
Average Downhill Gradient: -10.4%
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7:00
Slow
5:00
Moderate
3:30
Fast
Start at the beginning of Kaitoke Hot Springs Track on Whangaparapara Road. Scrub and spray your shoes at the wash station before heading along a couple of kilometres of easy trail and boardwalk through the wetlands to the hot springs. Pause briefly to think about how nice the hot springs will feel on your feet before charging up some stairs and along some trails to hit Tramline Track.
This is well signposted, with the junction just over a small bridge. Hang a right and enjoy the lovely, buttery smooth trails of Tramline Track for about 1.5k before turning left for the many stairs of Peach Tree Track. Keep going up the long climb and enjoy the views as you head up above the bush. After about 5k you'll hit a junction with South Fork Track (also well signposted). Take the right, uphill trail and you'll hit Mount Heale Hut, which has beautiful views down to the West Coast of the island.
Enjoy the views before heading up to Mount Hobson just over a kilometre further up; there are a LOT of stairs. On a fine day it's worth heading up to the summit itself for the views, before dropping back down. There is a complex junction here, but it is well signposted. You want to head Northwest on Kaiaraara Track and back long some very long sets of stairs. On the way down you'll see lots of evidence of slips, plenty of suspension bridges as well as some very informative signs about Kauri logging.
After about 5.5k you'll come to a final swing bridge across the river, which is well signposted. Cross over the river and find Kaiaraara Hut about 100m to the Southwest. The next section is on the gravel Forest Road and easy to follow, if not as adventurous. It is worth taking the brief signosted diversion on the left to see two magnificent Kauri about 5k in, and the longer signposted diversion on the right a further 2k on to enjoy the views from Maungapiko. 3.5k further along the forest road, you'll see the signpost to rejoin the Tramline Track which will take you a further 2k to rejoin the junction with the Kaitoke Hot Springs Track. Head back down towards the hot springs for a well-earned dip, before the easy 2k trot back to the start of your route.
This trail includes the peaks Mount Hobson (Gt B Is) and Maungapiko.
Plenty to see and experience! The magnificent Hirakimata (Mount Hobson) is the highest point on the island and provides an amazing outlook to the Coromandel and Hauturu (Little Barrier). Keep an ear / eye out for Kaka. Kauri Dams line the gorge you descend into. There are also old tramways near Kaitoke Hot Springs, stunning waterfalls, wetlands and some beautiful kauri.
Kaitoke Hot Springs is at the start (and finish) so it's nice to dangle your feet in the naturally hot water to refresh!
If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.
Either drive and park in the small parking area at the start of the trail, get a taxi or walk/run (5k from Claris, 15k from Tryphena.)
The hot springs are frequented by visitors so you may need to park up the road a little. The Barrier is generally very safe but still hide any valuables. Hitching is also easy on the island too.
5 km
10 minutes
Unknown
No
Easy.
The route is very well signposted so navigation is easy PROVIDED you read every sign. There's a PDF map of the route on the DOC site, which can also be picked up in leaflet form from many places on the island.
Patchy.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Compass, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries
While there is water available at the huts, you are advised to boil it before use. There are numerous streams in the area; however it is not known whether it is advisable to drink from them.
Probably a bit muddy after rain.
Lots of wooden steps which could become very slippery in wet weather.
Currach Irish Pub
Tryphena
http://www.currachirishpub.co.nz/
Excellent beer and pizzas straight from a wood-fired oven. Can get very busy though!
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Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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Forest road was indeed the worst bit of the track, but the other bits more than made up for it. Tramline track was just spectacular, if brutal on my legs. Stayed at Heale hut and it was a fantastic hut, the kaka wheeling overhead during the mornings was a great highlight.
The hot pools were very welcome after the run.
October 20, 2022
Agree that the Forest road is a little tedious but the side trips to the Kauri and Maungapiko rocks are well worth it-there is a nice bench at the top of the rocks. The rest of the track has some great views. If you are not a fan of wooden steps though this is not the track for you !
February 10, 2021
Whist the forest road is a little ho hum, the rest of the track has some great trails, views, dams, and hot pools. Just off the track there are other great sights like Coopers Castle, Windy Canyon, and canyoning down Awana Stream. Spent 2 days staying at Mt Heale Hut over NY which was a fantastic base for running these trails.
January 30, 2020
These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.
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