Hike Mt. Urchin Track

It is recommended to do this hike on a clear day if you would like to have good views from Urchin Trig. We did it on a cloudy and misty day and although the hike was still awesome, the top was shrouded in a heavy layer of mist. We could not continue along the ridge or get any views of the surrounding valleys, Lake Taupo or Lake Rotoaira in the distance.

Start from the Car park on the gravel road off of Kaimanawa Road (as marked by the green pin). From there follow the signs marking the Urchin Track. Follow the well-marked path into the forest and begin your accent from the car park (rough elevation 830 M). Continue to follow the path through the forest, it will ascend steeply and be well-marked with orange triangles, the path is marked every 50-100 M and easy to follow as it has no splits or connections at any point on the way to the ridge. The path is quite steep with a total elevation gain of around 570 M. Roughly halfway to Urchin Trig the path will even out for a brief time giving you a rest from climbing before it continues steeply towards the summit (rough elevation 1300 M).

When you exit the tree line be careful as the path turns to loose rock, if the weather is not clear keep careful watch for the markers which will now be posts with orange tips. After reaching the trig you can continue to follow the markers along the ridge line or return to the car park via the same trail.