Last updated November 2026
The Pylon Peak Summit Loop is a strenuous climb from the Waiorongomai Valley near Te Aroha to Pylon Peak, following an old water race and passing the remains of old steel power pylons.
DOC grades it Advanced and Expert and gives 6–7 hr. It starts from the car park at the end of Waiorongomai Road via the Low-Level Track, and returns the same way or as a loop along the North-South Track and Waipapa Track.
DOC describes it as strenuous but rewarding, with views of Mt Te Aroha, the Hauraki Plains and the Waikato. The valley is about 38 km from Tauranga.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Pylon Peak Summit Loop on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Car park at the end of Waiorongomai Road
- Distance from the city
- About 38 km from Tauranga
- Walking time
- 6–7 hr
- Track length
- 4.4 km to the summit, 13.7 km loop
- Grade
- Advanced, Expert
- Dogs
- No dogs (DOC: dogs not permitted)
- Mountain bikes
- Not allowed
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open with a DOC alert when checked on 18 October 2026 (caution at a slip site on the Low Level Loop Track in the Waiorongomai Valley). Check DOC before you go.
- Track markers
- On marked bush tracks, DOC and most councils use orange triangles for the walking route. Triangles or tape in other colours, usually pink or blue, mark pest-control lines and traps. They can lead off the track, so don’t follow them.
About Pylon Peak Summit Loop
From the car park, follow the Low-Level Track for about 5 minutes to a signposted junction about 130 m along, then cross the stream.
The forested track follows an old water race and winds up to the ridge, reaching the North-South Track junction in about 2.5 hours. DOC notes views from here of Mt Te Aroha, the Hauraki Plains and the Waikato.
Along the way are the remains of old steel power pylons. DOC says they carried power from the Horahora hydroelectric station, built in 1913 and described as the North Island’s first large power station, to the Waihi Gold Mine and the Victoria Battery at Waikino.
The valley’s gold story is older: prospector Hone Werahiko found gold here in 1881, though the hard reef gave low yields. DOC says the track’s long, steep sections require a good level of fitness.
The Loop Option
Instead of returning the same way, DOC describes a loop of 4–5 hours from the junction: follow the North-South Track along the range, then the Waipapa Track (Crimson Thread Track) down to the Waiorongomai Saddle, and the Te Aroha Link track back into the valley.
Stay on the Te Aroha branch at the Waipapa junction, not the branch towards Waitawheta Hut. DOC notes the North-South Track is expert level, with unmarked and overgrown sections. Use Plan My Walk to check the weather and share your plans.
Track Conditions and Safety
DOC warns: “Mine tunnels and shafts are very dangerous and may be hidden by vegetation.” Keep to marked tracks and don’t enter tunnels unless clearly marked for public access.
Don’t cross flooded streams: “If in doubt, stay out.” Pack warm layers, a waterproof raincoat and sturdy boots. The car park is remote, so lock your car and keep valuables out of sight.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had an alert for the Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park area: for the Waiorongomai Valley tracks, “Caution is required at a slip site on the Low Level Loop Track.” The walk starts on the Low-Level Track. Check DOC before you go and tell someone your plans.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Pylon Peak Summit Loop: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Waiorongomai Valley: other tracks and the valley’s goldmining heritage.
Plan My Walk: weather, track alerts and a trip plan to share before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Pylon Peak Summit Loop take?
DOC gives 6–7 hr. The climb to the North-South Track junction takes about 2.5 hours.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Advanced and Expert and calls it strenuous, with long, steep sections.
Where does it start?
At the car park at the end of Waiorongomai Road, which turns off Te Aroha Gordon Road about 5 km south of Te Aroha.
Can I take my dog?
No. DOC says dogs are not permitted.
Why is it called Pylon Peak?
Old steel power pylons along the route once carried electricity from the Horahora power station to the Waihi Gold Mine and Victoria Battery.
Can I make it a loop?
Yes, via the North-South Track, Waipapa Track and Te Aroha Link track, which DOC gives 4–5 hours from the junction.
What views are there?
DOC mentions views of Mt Te Aroha, the Hauraki Plains and the Waikato.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.