Mount William Walkway

Point to point

Highlights & Must-See Features

The undeniable crown jewel of the Mount William Walkway is the spectacular 360-degree panoramic view from the twin summits of Mount William and the Puketutu trig. On a clear day, the views are nothing short of breathtaking. To the south, the rolling green pastures of the Waikato region stretch out into the distance. Turn to the north and east, and you can trace the sparkling waters of the Firth of Thames and the rugged silhouette of the Coromandel Peninsula. If you look closely towards the northern horizon, you will even spot Auckland’s iconic Sky Tower and the unmistakable volcanic cone of Rangitoto Island.

For nature lovers, the walk through the Mount William Scenic Reserve is a journey back in time. This forest is a precious remnant of Auckland's original native bush. As you climb, look out for magnificent, towering kauri and ancient hard beech trees. The forest floor is carpeted with vibrant king ferns, while nīkau, kohekohe, and pūriri trees crowd the understorey, creating a dense, multi-layered jungle of deep greens.

Getting There

The Mount William Walkway is located in Bombay, South Auckland, just a short drive from the southern motorway. Parking is available at both ends of the track, depending on how you choose to structure your hike.

• McMillan Road End (Recommended Starting Point): Located off Irish Road, which branches off State Highway 2. Here, you will find a small gravel car park, a kauri dieback cleaning station (please use this to protect our precious trees), and a toilet located about a 10-minute walk into the reserve.
• Puketutu Road End: Accessed via Razorback Road and Beaver Road, just off State Highway 1.

If you are planning a one-way walk, leave one car at Puketutu Road and drive together to start at McMillan Road to enjoy the climb through the bush first.

Wildlife Spotting

The lush native forest of the scenic reserve is absolutely teeming with birdlife, making it a fantastic spot for birdwatchers. The best time to hear the forest orchestra is early in the morning when the birds are most active.

Keep your ears open for the distinct, booming chime of the tūī and the heavy, rhythmic wingbeats of the kererū (New Zealand pigeon) as they feast on pūriri berries. Friendly pīwakawaka (fantails) will likely flutter right alongside you on the track, using your footsteps to snatch up disturbed insects. If you listen closely to the high canopy, you might hear the delicate, repeating song of the riroriro (grey warbler) or spot a flock of busy tauhou (silvereyes) darting through the foliage.

On rare occasions, lucky hikers might hear the raucous screech of a visiting kākā flying overhead. Once you transition onto the farmland, keep an eye out for colourful pūkeko foraging in the damp hollows, and listen for the sharp calls of Australian magpies nesting in the boundary trees.

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

• Best Seasons: Spring, summer, and autumn are the prime seasons to tackle this walk. The summer months offer the driest tracks, while spring and autumn bring cooler climbing temperatures.
• Important Seasonal Closure: Please note that the farmland section of the track from Puketutu Road is closed for lambing from 1 August to 1 October every year. Always respect this closure to protect the newborn lambs.
• Beat the Heat: Because the farmland and summit ridge sections are completely exposed to the elements, start early in the morning during summer to avoid the midday sun.
• What to Pack: Pack a windproof jacket (the Bombay Hills are notoriously windy), high-factor sunscreen, a sun hat, and plenty of water. There are no drinking water sources along the trail.
• Footwear: Leave your sneakers at home. Due to the steep, clay-based tracks in the bush section, sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support and deep tread are essential.

Local & Regional Context

The Bombay Hills are far more than just a geographical boundary between Auckland and the Waikato; they are a geological marvel. These hills are the remnants of a massive shield volcano that erupted roughly 600,000 years ago. Over millennia, the weathered volcanic rock broke down to create the rich, dark, highly fertile soils that define this region today, making it one of New Zealand’s premier market gardening hubs.

For hiking enthusiasts, walking this track means stepping onto Te Araroa, New Zealand’s legendary 3,000-kilometre continuous trail stretching from Cape Reinga to Bluff. As you climb, you are sharing the path with intrepid "thru-hikers" who are walking the entire length of the country.

After the Walk

After tackling a trail this steep, you will have worked up a massive appetite. Fortunately, the historic town of Pokeno is just a quick 4.5km drive away and is the ultimate spot to refuel.

• Pokeno Country Cafe: This charming, rustic local favourite is famous for its exceptionally warm Kiwi service and hearty, traditional breakfasts. It is the perfect place to grab a hot coffee and indulge in their legendary Pokeno bacon and sausages.
• The India Restaurant & Bar: If you are craving something spicy and filling to warm you up after a cold winter hike, head here. They serve up fantastic, authentic Indian curries with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options to satisfy everyone in your group.
• Pokeno Sports Bar: If a cold pint and some classic pub grub sound like the ultimate reward, this friendly local pub has you covered. Known for its relaxed, casual atmosphere, pool tables, and incredibly generous food portions, it is a great spot to swap stories about your climb over a cold drink.

4.5km away

Located in Pokeno, this restaurant offers traditional Indian cuisine with a focus on authentic flavours. Features vegetarian and vegan options, suitable for families and groups.