Last updated October 2026
The Mount Pureora from Link Road track is the shortest route to the summit of Mount Pureora in Pureora Forest Park, where on a clear day DOC says you can see across Lake Taupō, the Mamaku Ranges, Mount Taranaki and Mount Ruapehu.
The track starts about 14 km along Link Road and is well maintained, with bridges across all waterways and a boardwalk towards the summit.
DOC grades it as an easy to intermediate walking track and allows 2 hr 30 min one way. There are no toilets on the track and no petrol near Pureora village, so plan ahead. The start is about 41 km from Taupō.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Mount Pureora from Link Road 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
- About 14 km along Link Road (car park on the opposite side of the road)
- Distance from the city
- about 41 km from Taupō
- Walking time
- 2 hr 30 min one way
- Track length
- 2.6 km one way
- Grade
- Easy to intermediate
- Dogs
- Dogs with DOC permit (hunting)
- Track type
- Walking track
- Facilities
- No toilets on the track (use the toilets in Pureora Village on Barryville Road)
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About Mount Pureora from Link Road
This is the quickest way to the top of Mount Pureora. The track is well maintained, with bridges across every waterway and a boardwalk as you near the top.
As you climb, the forest changes with altitude. DOC explains that the tallest podocarp trees grow at the lowest levels and the canopy steadily drops in height as you gain altitude. On the summit, the vegetation is reduced in many places to low turf and occasional low shrubs, which opens up the views.
On a clear day the outlook takes in Lake Taupō, the Mamaku Ranges, Mount Taranaki and Mount Ruapehu.
A Sacred Mountain
DOC notes that Mount Pureora is a sacred mountain for many tribes of the central North Island, and recognises the relationship of its iwi partners Ngāti Rereahu, Ngāti Maniapoto, Raukawa and Ngāti Tūwharetoa with the mountain. Please treat the summit with respect.
Getting There
Leave State Highway 30 at Maraeroa Road and follow Barryville Road and then Link Road; the track starts about 14 km along Link Road. The car park is on the opposite side of the road from the track entrance; DOC points out that the track on the same side as the car park is a different track.
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.”
There is no petrol near Pureora village or the track, and no toilets along the track, so use the toilets in Pureora Village on Barryville Road. Check the Mount Pureora weather forecast and the DOC page for alerts before you go.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Mount Pureora from Link Road: 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to walk up Mount Pureora from Link Road?
DOC allows 2 hr 30 min one way. Return the same way.
Is this the easiest way up Mount Pureora?
DOC says it is the shortest route to the top, on a well-maintained track graded easy to intermediate, with bridges over all waterways and a boardwalk near the summit.
What can I see from the summit?
On a clear day, Lake Taupō, the Mamaku Ranges, Mount Taranaki and Mount Ruapehu.
Where does the track start?
About 14 km along Link Road. Park on the opposite side of the road from the track entrance, and note the track beside the car park is a different track.
Are there toilets or fuel nearby?
There are no toilets on the track; use those in Pureora Village on Barryville Road. There is no petrol near Pureora village or the track.
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.