This compound image shows Mt Pirongia and fantail photos by Tui Allen and NZ falcon painting by Janet Marshall.
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The map is at the bottom of the page. You may need to scroll to see its full extent. Blue numbers refer to walks and tracks. Green letters refer to local sites of interest usually outside the main park areas. The legend for the green letters is shown below the map.
Map Symbols
route symbol Route
walk or track symbol Walk or track
campsite symbol Campsite
hut symbol Hut
point of interest symbol Point of interest / view
Walks and Tracks (shown on the map with blue numbers) as follows:
(More detailed information about most of these tracks is
available on our Recreation page.)
blue number 1 Mangakara Nature Walk
blue number 2 Nikau Walk
blue number 3 Tirohanga Track (Ruapane / summit)
blue number 4 Ruapane Track
blue number 5 Mahaukura Track (Mahaukura / summit)
blue number 6 Tahuanui Track
blue number 7 Bell Track
blue number 8 Whararoa Route
blue number 9 Tiwarawara Route (may be re-routed 2005 - 2007)
blue number 10 Mangakino Route
blue number 11 Te Toto Track
blue number 12 Wairake Track
Local Sites of Interest (shown on the map with green letters)
Raglan and surrounds. Raglan is a small seaside town with a relaxed atmosphere, great cafes, galleries and masses of outdoor adventures on its doorstep. Check out Wainui Reserve on Wainui Road and Ngarunui (Ocean) Beach, accessed through the reserve or from Riria Kereopa Memorial Drive.
Bridal Veil Falls. A short walk leads to a spectacular 50 m waterfall.
Aotea Harbour. One of the least modified harbours along the west coast of the North Island.
Kawhia Harbour. Final resting place of the Tainui waka. This large shallow harbour is an important feeding and roosting site for wading birds.
Walter Scott Scenic Reserve. A small reserve managed by the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society with an enjoyable loop track.
Kakepuku Historic Reserve. A track leads to a viewing tower on the summit of this small volcanic cone. Five pa were once located on the mountain.
Pirongia Visitor Centre. Located in the heart of Pirongia Village, this is a good place to stop for information on local history and attractions.
Matakitaki Pa. Located at the junction of the Waipa River and Mangapiko Stream at the north end of Pirongia Village. This was historically a strategically important pa for Maori and a major population centre. In the early 1800s, it was attacked by armed Nga Puhi from Northland. Although in a good defensive position, its occupants did not have muskets and were eventually overwhelmed and the survivors forced to flee.
Alexandra East Redoubt. Built in 1864 by the 2nd Waikato Regiment, the remains are not obvious but the small reserve on Aubin Close identifies the strategic position of the redoubt.
Alexandra Redoubt. Built after the war finished for the Armed Constabulary. It is the best preserved of the Waikato redoubts. Located on Bellot Street.
Whatiwhatihoe. Once a major settlement and meeting place for Maori, located at the foot of Mt Pirongia. In 1882 negotiation for land purchase was carried out here between the Crown and King Tawhiao. Birthplace of Princess Te Puea.
Military grave site. Six British Army soldiers are buried in a small graveyard off Bird Rd - marked by a stone monument and a large oak tree. Along with 35 Maori warriors, they were killed in a skirmish early in 1864.
Paterangi Pa. This highly fortified pa was built by Rewi Maniapoto and 3000 warriors from 20 tribes during the Waikato War. Little now remains of the structure but the highest point on Bell Road marks the middle of the defended area.

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