Last updated November 2026
The Mount Pureora via Toitoi Track is an alternative route to the summit of Mount Pureora that climbs the north-west side of the mountain from The Timber Trail, and DOC notes it is part of Te Araroa Trail.
You start on The Timber Trail from the Tui Road car park, and the summit track runs 1.8 km from its junction with the trail.
DOC grades it Advanced and allows 5 hours return. The forest changes from lowland podocarps to broadleaf forest before opening up at the summit, with views of Lake Taupō and Mount Taranaki. The Tui Road car park is about 42 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 via Toitoi Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Tui Road car park, via The Timber Trail (not the old Toitoi Road entrance)
- Distance from the city
- about 42 km from Taupō
- Walking time
- 5 hr return
- Track length
- 5.8 km return via same track (1.8 km from the junction with The Timber Trail to the summit)
- Grade
- Advanced
- Dogs
- No Dogs
- Track type
- Tramping track
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
- Track markers
- On marked bush tracks, DOC and most councils use orange triangles for the walking route. Triangles or tape in other colours, usually pink or blue, mark pest-control lines and traps. They can lead off the track, so don’t follow them.
About Mount Pureora via Toitoi Track
This route is an alternative way up Mount Pureora. Starting on The Timber Trail from the Tui Road car park, you turn off onto the Toitoi Track and head up the north-west side of the mountain, 1.8 km from the junction to the summit.
As you climb, DOC describes how lowland podocarps of tōtara, rimu and kahikatea give way to broadleaf-dominated forest with conifers such as Hall’s tōtara. At the top the forest opens out, with views of Lake Taupō and Mount Taranaki.
The forest is good for birds. DOC lists kererū, robin, tomtit and seasonal visitors such as shining cuckoos, and says kākā may also be heard.
Access Changes
DOC notes that Toitoi Road and the Toitoi Road car park are now on private land, and the old entrance and bottom 1 km of the track are no longer maintained. Enter the track from the Tui Road car park instead.
Getting There
Pureora lies between Te Kūiti to the west and Taupō and Rotorua to the east. Leave State Highway 30 at Barryville and take Barryville Road to Pureora, then follow Link Road and Cabbage Tree Road to the Tui Road car park.
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 at Pureora; DOC says the nearest facilities are at Benneydale or Mangakino. Check the Mount Pureora weather forecast and the DOC page before you go, tell someone your plans, and use Plan My Walk to prepare.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Toitoi Track to Mount Pureora take?
DOC allows 5 hours return.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Advanced.
Where does it start?
At the Tui Road car park, on The Timber Trail. The summit track runs 1.8 km from the junction with The Timber Trail.
Can I still start from Toitoi Road?
No. DOC says Toitoi Road and its car park are now on private land and the old entrance is no longer maintained. Use the Tui Road car park.
What birds might I see?
DOC lists kererū, robin, tomtit and shining cuckoos in season, and says kākā may be heard.
Are dogs allowed?
No. DOC’s rule for this track is No Dogs.
Is there fuel nearby?
No. There is no petrol at Pureora; the nearest is at Benneydale or Mangakino.
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.
Related links 3
- Department of Conservation: Mount Pureora via Toitoi 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.
- Plan My Walk: plan your trip, check the weather and track alerts, and share your plans with someone you trust.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.