Maungarei / Mt Wellington Climb

*In this trail write up is based on two summits.

Park on Mountain Road, Mount Wellington. Enter through the small gate and follow the road up to the top. Here you will come to a little what-was-a-carpark. Head towards the end of this and head on the unmarked trail up the mountain. Although it is unmarked it is easy to follow as the only other way is down the side into the crater. This side is single track in some parts and a mix of grass and loose scoria rock.

Once you get to the trig stop and take in the view. From here continue on back down the other side. Here you will get to some stairs on the decent and back to the section of old carpark. Follow the road down the opposite side to that you came up. You will get to the other entry (Gollan Road) and this point is 1.9km.

Turn around and head back up. But this time when you are at the old carpark go up via the stairs, through to the trig and down the single track/loose scoria track side and back to the old carpark. From here follow the road back down to where you parked. This is only 3.8km or thereabouts. There are many variations to this climb you can do and take the chance to explore, but do be mindful of any scared parts that might be fenced off. Head torch only needed if in the dark as there is no lighting.

Challenge: Parking area to trig (once) is only 10 minutes walking so see how many summits you can do in one session!