Last updated October 2026
The Mt Titiraupenga Track climbs through Pureora Forest Park to a lookout, which DOC calls stunning, just below the summit rock of Mt Titiraupenga. It starts from the Centre of the North Island Walk: you walk to the Centre of the North Island cairn, then turn right onto the Mt Titiraupenga Track, which joins the Arataki Track at the lookout.
DOC grades it Advanced and allows 4 hours return. The summit is Māori land and a taonga to local iwi, and DOC asks walkers to respect cultural values by not climbing the summit rock. The start is about 39 km from Taupō.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Mt Titiraupenga Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOCTrack facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.
Practical Information
- Start
- Centre of the North Island Walk, reached via Link and Waimonoa roads
- Distance from the city
- about 39 km from Taupō
- Walking time
- 4 hr return
- Track length
- 6.4 km return via same track
- Grade
- Advanced
- Dogs
- Dogs with DOC permit (hunting)
- Track type
- Tramping track, Short walk
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About Mt Titiraupenga Track
This track combines two landmarks in one outing. It begins on the Centre of the North Island Walk, leading to the cairn that marks the centre of the North Island, then turns right onto the Mt Titiraupenga Track and climbs towards the mountain.
The track ends at a lookout point just below the summit rock, where it meets the Arataki Track. DOC notes the Arataki Track is overgrown at this point, so return the way you came unless you have arranged otherwise.
Allow the full 4 hours return so you have time to enjoy the lookout.
Respecting Mt Titiraupenga
DOC explains that the summit of Mt Titiraupenga is Māori land and a taonga, or treasure, to local iwi. Please respect these cultural values by not climbing the summit rock. The lookout just below gives you the view without crossing that line.
Getting There
The track starts from the Centre of the North Island Walk, accessed via Link and Waimonoa roads. Link Road can be reached from State Highway 30 via Barryville Road, or from State Highway 32 via Kakaho Road, which turns into Link Road.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had an alert for the Pureora Forest Park area, listed under the Timber Trail: “Barryville Bridge is under assessment and repair – reduce your speed, and take care. Consider using western Barryville road entrance off SH30.” Check DOC before you go, tell someone your plans, and use Plan My Walk to prepare.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Mt Titiraupenga Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Pureora Forest Park: campsites, tracks and alerts across the park, including the Centre of the North Island Walk.
Plan My Walk: plan your trip, check the weather and track alerts, and share your plans with someone you trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Mt Titiraupenga Track take?
DOC allows 4 hours return.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Advanced.
Where does it start?
On the Centre of the North Island Walk. Walk to the Centre of the North Island cairn and turn right onto the Mt Titiraupenga Track.
Can I climb to the summit?
DOC asks walkers not to climb the summit rock, which is Māori land and a taonga to local iwi. The track ends at a lookout just below it.
Does it link to other tracks?
Yes. It joins the Arataki Track at the lookout, though DOC notes the Arataki Track is overgrown there.
Are dogs allowed?
Only with a DOC permit, for hunting.
Is the track open?
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had no current alerts for this track. Check the DOC page for current alerts before you go.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.