Totally Tamahunga

Experience views from the top of our local maunga (mountain).

Tramp to the summit of Maunga Tamahunga through regenerating native forest.

Starting at Rodney Road enjoying fantastic coastal views to the north where we can see the Hen and Chicken Islands. We will then skirt some farmland fringed by a pine forest and grasslands climbing to the bushline. Passing through Manuka and regenerative native forest the gradient becomes steep and is for able bodied persons only.

The summit track is lined with Hanghange and hardy Makomako, which thrive on the forest margins and Puriri which dominate the bush canopy, with specimens becoming larger and more sprawling as the trail winds up the mountain towards the summit, their roots making excellent footholds. 

On our way up we will learn about the local history and ecology, including conservation work done by the Tamahunga Trappers which has grown to 8 trap lines and 225 traps across the Maunga Tamahunga, who is literally the ancestral head of Ngāti Manuhiri. Maunga Tamahunga is one of the highest points in the region and the historic site of Otamahua pa – an extensive complex that once sheltered 200 escaped Maori prisoners from Kawau Island. All that remains now is a grassy clearing and a wooden platform. Views from the top are wonderful.

From the summit we will descend to Omaha Valley Road, walking under the canopy and leaving the Te Araroa trail behind, walking down through a magnificent section of bush with more Puriri and other large native trees providing welcome shade on warmer days. The track is well worn, but steep and slippery in parts, so you’ll appreciate having good tramping boots or shoes with deep treads for grip going down. The bus will meet us and we head to Matakana Country Park for a welcome pizza and a beer!

Please note that this walk is a Grade 5 adventure that is steep in parts, with uneven footing. A good level of fitness and walking boots are required.