The Aotea Track

Information

Offers a range of spectacular landscapes, superb views and rich history. Travel over streams that show off a constant spectacle of beautiful native bush; tranquil wetlands; and the surviving forests of kauri, rimu and kahikatea with their special plants and wildlife. The track is a combination of easy walking tracks, boardwalks, steep climbs, stairways and bridges. It’s suitable for reasonably fit beginners or experienced trampers.

Download the DoC Aotea Track PDF

Points of Interest

Hirikamata
Windy Canyon
Kaitoke Hotsprings
Mount Heale Hut
Kaiaraara Hut

Taonga (Flora & Fauna)

Old native bush including Tī kōuka (Cabbage tree), Kauri, Kōwhai, Horoeka (Lancewood), Mānuka, Kānuka, Nīkau, Rātā, Tōtara, Kahikatea, Puriri, Mamaku, Rimu etc
Chevron Skink
Pīwakawaka (Fantail)
Riroriro (Grey Warbler)
Moho Pererū (Banded Rail)
Kōtare (Kingfisher)
Kererū (Wood Pigeon)
Tauhou (Silvereye/Waxeye)
Ruru (Morepork)
Tūī
Kākā
Takoketai (Black petrel) – Burrow nesting birds. The main colony breeds on the slope of Hirikamata between October & May.

Duration
2 to 3 days
Difficulty/Grade
Advanced tramping track
Dog Rules
Dogs are not permitted on these tracks