Pāpāmoa Hills Summit Loop

Starting at the main carpark at the bottom of Pāpāmoa Hills, head up the gravel track to the first gate. At this junction, take the right fork (slightly downhill) and follow this gravel track across farmland before you head into the bush and start bearing left (west).

There are a few other tracks around this area, but for this route, follow the well-formed, gravel track.

After 1.7km you'll come to another fork - take the left (again, following the gravel track). You'll now climb up to meet the main summit track (you'll come down this later). When you reach this junction, do not go through the gate, instead, take a hard right and follow the gravel track that skirts around the hill.

At 2.7km you'll come to another junction near a large farm building. Head left and up the gravel farm track, and follow this around a few big bends, all the way up until the last section turns to grass to the start of the ridge and some large old trees.

Run along the ridge, and then over the stile, before turning right (west). You're now on the main summit track. Follow this to the summit Pā sites. Head to the furthest one first for some epic views across Te Puke and the ocean, before bagging the highpoint of Pāpāmoa Hills.

From here, it's a super quick and fun descent following the main summit track. Halfway down, instead of taking the stairs, take a hard right, staying on the wide gravel track, and then shortly afterwards, a hard left. After a tiny climb you'll rejoin the main track which you'll follow back to the carpark.

If you want a slightly longer route with less gravel and more trail, check out the Papamoa Hills Outer Loop.