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Bombay, South Auckland
4.4 km
3 hours
332 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you are looking for a weekend challenge that will get your thighs burning and reward you with some of the best views in the Auckland region, the Mount William Walkway belongs at the top of your list. Perched high on the iconic Bombay Hills, this 4.4-kilometre point-to-point trail is a section of the legendary Te Araroa Trail. It offers a stunningly diverse journey, transitioning from dense, ancient native forest into wide-open, sweeping farmland.
Because this is a point-to-point trail, you have two options for how to tackle it. If you can coordinate with a hiking buddy and park a car at each end, you can complete the classic 4.4-kilometre crossing in about 3 hours. However, if you are flying solo, you will need to complete it as an out-and-back hike. This essentially doubles the journey to a demanding 9 to 10 kilometres, which can take anywhere from 6 to 8 hours depending on your pace—making it a serious full-day undertaking.
Starting from the McMillan Road end, you will immediately plunge into the lush, shaded embrace of the Mount William Scenic Reserve. The track does not waste any time getting started; you will be climbing almost immediately. Thanks to recent upgrades, there are boxed steps to help you navigate the steepest sections, but make no mistake—this is a strenuous climb. The forest floor can become incredibly slick and muddy after rain, so you will want a sturdy pair of hiking boots with excellent grip to keep your footing.
As you reach the bush line, the dense canopy suddenly gives way to the bright, open spaces of rolling Kiwi farmland. The contrast is spectacular. From here, you will follow the bright orange trail markers and fence lines as you navigate your way across the paddocks. Keep an eye out for wandering stock as you make your way up the final, steep grassy spur to the summit of Mount William (373m).
But the journey does not stop there. The trail then traverses a high, exposed saddle to reach the Puketutu trig station, which sits slightly higher at 376 metres. Walking along this ridgeline feels like standing on the spine of the region, with the wind in your hair and the world laid out at your feet. Because of the steep terrain, deep mud in winter, and highly exposed farm ridges, this trail is rated as hard and is not suitable for dogs or young children.
Parking is available at both ends of the walkway. The main starting point is the McMillan Road car park, located off Irish Road, which branches off State Highway 2. Alternatively, you can start from the Puketutu Road end, which is accessed via Razorback Road and Beaver Road, off State Highway 1. At the McMillan Road entrance, you'll find kauri dieback cleaning stations, and toilets are located about a 10-minute walk into the Mount William Scenic Reserve from this end.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
4.5km away
A charming, rustic cafe in Pokeno known for its exceptional service and hearty Kiwi breakfasts, including the famous Pokeno bacon and sausages. Offers indoor and outdoor seating.
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Point to point
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Gerygone igata
Small greyish songbird also known as Riroriro. Has a distinctive trembling song often heard before seen.
Best time: Year-round
Zosterops lateralis
Small bird with distinctive white eye-ring. Commonly seen in flocks, feeding on insects, fruit, and nectar.
Best time: Year-round
Nestor meridionalis
Large forest parrot found in native bush. Loud and social, increasingly common in predator-controlled sanctuaries.
Best time: Year-round
Porphyrio melanotus
Purple swamphen with distinctive red bill and frontal shield. Common in wetlands and grasslands.
Best time: Year-round
Gymnorhina tibicen
An introduced species, these intelligent, black and white birds are a common sight in New Zealand's rural and urban landscapes, known for their distinctive carolling song.
Best time: Year-round
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.
4.5km away
A local pub and bar in Pokeno offering a relaxed atmosphere, food, and alcoholic beverages. Features pool tables and is known for sizable food portions.