Tirohanga Track to Ruapane Lookout

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Marios Gavalas

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Otorohanga, Waikato

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Marios Gavalas

Trig at Ruapane

Marios Gavalas

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Information

3.2 km return | 3 hours return

A steady climb from Corcoran Rd leads to Ruapane Trig. The excellent view extends across the Waikato Basin to the Kaimai Ranges.

Walking Track

Access

The track starts from Corcoran Road carpark.

From Pirongia take SH 39 towards Whatawhata and after 5.5 km turn left onto Te Pahu Road.

After 5.5 km left again onto Corcoran Road, and follow this 3 km to the road end parking area.

Track

The first section is metalled and even. Don’t be fooled by the standard of track. It deteriorates. It’s a steady ascent, with criss-crossed root masses and a few muddy sections.

However, at the trig, there are views out in most directions.

Geology

Pirongia forms part of a volcanic chain in a belt of weak overlying sediments named the Alexandra Volcanics. Basalt lava erupted between 2.7 and 1.6 million years ago, flowing over 20 km to Kawhia.

These volcanic episodes pierced older sediments of limestone, mudstone and sandstone, dating to over 20 million years old.

Flora

At 14,000 hectares, this is the largest unbroken tract of native forest in the Waikato. Tawa are particularly predominant. 58 tree species, 44 shrubs and 110 different ferns are recorded in the forest park.

Polynesian History

The name Pirongia is said to have been conferred by the high-priest (tohunga) Raka-taura. He married Kahurere, daughter of the waka captain, and exhalted ‘Pirongia te aroaro O Kahu’ meaning ‘the fragrant presence of Kahu’.

Details

Feature

Value

Info

Organisation

DOC Waikato

Central government organisation

Location

North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Otorohanga

Categories

Walking
Free

Directions

To Coordinates

Coordinates

-37.9637230891527

175.120489501953

Latitude
-37.9637230891527
Longitude
175.120489501953

Feature	Value	Info
Track Length	3km to 10km Track Length What is the physical length of this track? 3km to 10km	Track Length What is the physical length of this track? 3km to 10km
Track Duration	2 to 4 hours Track Duration How long does it take to walk this track on average? 2 to 4 hours	Track Duration How long does it take to walk this track on average? 2 to 4 hours
Track Difficulty	Moderate walk Track Difficulty Considering the track's terrain, safety, facilities - how hard is this walk to complete? Moderate walk	Track Difficulty Considering the track's terrain, safety, facilities - how hard is this walk to complete? Moderate walk
Payment Requirement	Free access/participation Payment Requirement Is there a cost for this experience or is it free? Free access/participation The experience costs no money to access or take part in.	Payment Requirement Is there a cost for this experience or is it free? Free access/participation The experience costs no money to access or take part in.
Large Vehicle Access	Large vehicle accessible Large Vehicle Access Can large vehicles such as motorhomes, housebuses and caravans gain access? Large vehicle accessible The site is accessible with large vehicles such as motorhomes and 5th wheelers.	Large Vehicle Access Can large vehicles such as motorhomes, housebuses and caravans gain access? Large vehicle accessible The site is accessible with large vehicles such as motorhomes and 5th wheelers.
Disabled Access	No disabled access Disabled Access Does this location provide disabled access? No disabled access This location does not provide access for wheelchairs.	Disabled Access Does this location provide disabled access? No disabled access This location does not provide access for wheelchairs.
Crowd Factor	Lesser Known Crowd Factor How crowded is this place usually? Lesser Known Usually has less people visiting	Crowd Factor How crowded is this place usually? Lesser Known Usually has less people visiting
Track Managing Organisation	DOC Managed Track Managing Organisation What type of organisation operates this walking track? DOC Managed This track is managed by the Department of Conservation. DOC is a New Zealand government organisation.	Track Managing Organisation What type of organisation operates this walking track? DOC Managed This track is managed by the Department of Conservation. DOC is a New Zealand government organisation.