Up the Love

The route begins beside the Te Aroha Mineral Spas car park. From there, runners follow the well-marked Summit Track trailhead sign. The initial section winds through regenerating forest and climbs steadily via formed dirt and timber steps. The gradient quickly steepens after the first kilometre, becoming relentless. Expect narrow switchbacks, roots that act as both stairs and traps, and a surface that turns slick after rain.

Midway, the track crosses several small drainage lines before merging with a rocky ridgeline. Trail markers are consistent — orange DOC triangles nailed to trees — but attention is essential especially in low light or fog near the top. After heavy storms, fallen trees sometimes block the path; detours are usually visible from recent foot traffic but require care to avoid losing the trail.

The final kilometre is the steepest and most exposed, climbing past large boulders and through tangled roots before reaching the Te Aroha summit.

The descent retraces the same route. Wet roots and leaf litter make it epic, I mean footing treacherous😜