The sunrise of a lifetime is waiting at the summit of Mount Hikurangi. Watch the new day dawn before anybody else in New Zealand.
The highest peak in the rugged Raukumara Range, and the highest non-volcanic mountain in the North Island, Mount Hikurangi (1754 metres) is recognised as the first point on the New Zealand mainland to greet the morning sun. The mountain is sacred to the local Ngati Porou people and Maori legend suggests it is the resting place of the waka (canoe) Nukutaimemeha, used by the demigod Maui when he fished up the North Island of New Zealand.
The start of Te Ara ki Hikurangi track is located on Pahikiroa Station, which is at the end of the gravel Tapuaeroa Valley Road, 20 kilometres inland from Ruatoria. There is a carpark just below the station manager's house.
An accommodation hut is located about five hours climb up the mountain. To stay at the hut you'll need to make a booking with Te Runanga o Ngati Porou. For many hikers watching the sunrise is the main object of climbing Mount Hikurangi. To achieve this, it's best to hike to the hut in the afternoon, stay the night, then rise two hours before daybreak to complete the journey to the summit.
Once the sun is up, you'll be able to appreciate the mountain's alpine vegetation, which includes large buttercups, prickly wild Spaniards and delicate herbs.
By Christine Officer