Scale the heights of Maunga Hikurangi (Mount Hikurangi) to watch the new day dawn before anyone else, including friends back home.
The highest peak in the rugged Raukumara Range, and the highest non-volcanic mountain in the North Island, Maunga Hikurangi (1,754 metres) is recognised as the first point on the New Zealand mainland to greet the morning sun.
When the demigod Māui fished up the North Island, Maunga Hikurangi was the first point to rise from the sea. According to legend, Māui’s canoe, Nukutaimemeha, remains stranded on the mountain peak. This treasure is a major cultural and spiritual site for local Ngāti Porou iwi (tribe).
One thousand metres above sea level and two thirds of the way up the mountain, you’ll find nine whakairo (Māori carvings) depicting Māui and his whānau (family). Māui forms the centrepiece, while the other eight carvings mark points of the traditional compass. Among them you'll find Te Waha-o-Ruaamoko, the gateway to Maui's realm which symbolises the migration of waka (canoes) to the area.
Maunga Hikurangi is a place where Ngāti Porou people connect with their heritage and spirituality.
To make the most of your visit and learn the history behind the carvings, it's a good idea to book a tour with local Maunga Hikurangi(opens in new window) guides.
Situated 25 kilometres inland from Ruatōria, Maunga Hikurangi is a two-hour drive from Gisborne. Look for the Te Ara ki Hikurangi track on Pakihiroa Station, which lies at the end of Tapuaeroa Valley Road. You can park just below the station manager's house.
To catch the sunrise, you could hike to the accommodation hut in the afternoon, stay the night, then rise two hours before daybreak to complete the journey to the summit. The hut is a 3-4 hour climb (10.5km) from the car park.
Gisborne is a top 10 region based on sunshine hours. Enjoy warm summers (December to February) and mild winters (June to August). Average daytime temperatures range from 24°C in January to 9°C in July.
Maunga Hikurangi is open throughout the year apart from:
There’s another access point over private land, but you must gain permission from Te Runanganui o Ngāti Porou before you arrive.
