06 October 2026
Cloudy periods with isolated showers. Easterlies, easing this evening.
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1 / 3Great Barrier Island/Aotea
Kaiaraara Track to Maunga Hirakimatā / Mt Hobson
Walk to the remains of the old kauri dam, and up to the summit of Maunga Hirakimatā / Mt Hobson for a 360-degree panorama.
Distance
11.9 km
Walking time
6 - 7 hours return
Difficulty
Easy
Dogs
Not allowed
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
Kaiaraara Track closure
Weather outlook
Auckland forecast
Issued 6 Oct 2026, 4:11 pm
07 October 2026
Areas of morning low cloud, then fine. Southwesterlies developing in the morning.
08 October 2026
Mainly fine, but isolated showers in the afternoon and evening. Southerlies, dying out in the morning.
09 October 2026
Mainly fine, isolated showers developing in the morning. Easterlies, dying out in the morning.
10 October 2026
Partly cloudy, with isolated showers clearing in the afternoon. Northeasterlies developing in the morning.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Kaiaraara Track to Maunga Hirakimatā / Mt Hobson on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Kaiaraara Track to Maunga Hirakimatā / Mt Hobson
Please check the alerts tab to ensure this walk is open. Kaiaraara Track offers a striking experience for walkers - a wide array of flora from tiny plants and ground cover to large trees in established forest, historic sites and, towards the summit, panoramas of the island, its bays and beaches and neighbouring islands. From Forest Road, the track rises steadily to Cooper’s Castle Track junction, crossing the stream in several places using a series of suspension and wooden bridges. A short distance from this junction is a side-track to the remains of the Lower Kauri Dam. Continuing on takes you to Maunga Harakimatā / Mt Hobson, and after that, Mt Heale Hut.
Kauri protection guide
Clean your footwear, tyres and equipment before and after visiting our kauri forests. If you are walking your dog, you should also make sure you clean their paws. Use cleaning stations every time you pass one while you are walking in a park. Stay on the tracks and keep off kauri roots. Stay away from closed tracks. Don't remove soil from, or bring soil into, areas with kauri trees.
Huts and campsites
Kaiaraara Hut Mt Heale Hut
Getting there for Kaiaraara Track to Maunga Hirakimatā / Mt Hobson
From Port Fitzroy, follow Kaiaraara Bay Road to its end. A short walk leads to Kaiaraara Hut and the start of the track. Use this link on Google Maps to help find your way there.
Helpful resources
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . We recommend trying these online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel
Dog access for Kaiaraara Track to Maunga Hirakimatā / Mt Hobson
No dogs.
Before you walk Kaiaraara Track to Maunga Hirakimatā / Mt Hobson
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.