Passage Rock to Trig Hill via Awaawaroa

3-4 hours
Bi-Directional
Grade 10
8.3 km

This is a challenging and incredibly rewarding hike through the biggest climbs and descents and most beautiful views. The walk includes the infamous, steep, rope-assisted track, but rewards walkers with some of the best picnic tables on the island.

Location

This section of the Te Ara Hura track starts at Passage Rock winery.

No dogs allowed, as the track passes through private property including the Eco Village.

Transport/car-pooling/parking

Bus: There is no public transport at either end, so a taxi could be used to get to Passage Rock, and you can walk down Trig Hill Rd to Onetangi Beach (about 25 mins walk) for the bus 50A or 50B to return to the ferry.

Car: You could leave your car in Onetangi or at Trig Hill, and taxi to Passage Rock. If you have 2 cars leave one at each end. Park along the grass close to the Passage Rock driveway.

Track summary

This walk makes up part of the Te Ara Hura trail, a 100km walking adventure around Waiheke Island.

This section is the toughest by a mile or two! It’s steeper in parts, has bigger hills and has the rope-assisted stretch, but it’s fabulous, and anyone with reasonable fitness and the will to get up some hills will love it!

The first part traverses a stunning section of remnant forest, with a tall canopy above and full of birds as you climb gently up to the most fabulous picnic spot on the island. A steep grassy descent follows down to Poderi Crisci winery and restaurant. You could split the walk here into two approximately 4km sections, if you can’t resist the long lunch at Poderi.

After a wonderful wetland section, you again ascend grassy hills up to more fabulous rural and sea views, then tackle the steep downhill with help from a well-placed rope along the fence line. One more climb and you pop out at the top of the Trig.

Check the winery websites for Passage Rock and Poderi Crisci for opening hours and menus.

Click on the “Directions” tab (above) for detailed walking directions. On a mobile phone “Directions” is a dropdown option in the “Overview” bar.

0km – Leave from Passage Rock, and walk about 200m along the sealed road before turning left at 402 Orapiu Rd, and walk about 350m down the gravel driveway. Spot huge eels in the creek that goes under the driveway.

600m – Walk through to the left side of the beautiful Te Matuku gate. On your right side, just 50m along is the beginning of the Te Matuku to Awaawaroa Walkway. Please scrub then spray your shoes for Kauri Dieback Disease here.

3km – The track winds up gently through stunning native bush, full of birdsong, and up to a ridge. Not far after crossing under a powerline you enter a copse of Māhoe, or whiteywood trees. When the leaf litter is thick on the ground the track is a little obscured but keep following straight ahead to exit the small forest, and pick up the Te Ara Hura markers as you cross a gravel driveway.

3.5km – Cross the driveway again. On the right,there is a sign for Track to Lookout, 45 minutes return, which is a good detour if you have time.

Otherwise, look for the Te Ara Hura red marker, and the green and gold signposts to take the track up to the left to continue your walk.

3.6km – You will reach the fabulous Puke O Kai Lookout and the picnic table with the best views on the island! Look at out west to the Eco Village and the shores of Auckland, north to the Hauraki Gulf and south-east toward the Hunua Ranges.

4.3 km – The track descends very steeply from Puke O Kai down the fenceline, and can be a bit overgrown. It skirts around a private space with a large marquee and then drops steeply again, directly down to Poderi Crisci. Here the track meets Awaawaroa Rd, by the Poderi Crisci wine sheds. Turn right to walk past the winery (or stop for while)!

4.8km – Turn left on the Eco Village driveway at the signs below.

5.1km – About 250m along the driveway, on the right, there are many signs to follow for the track to Trig Hill.

5.4km – Detour 100m to visit the Manganese mine, if you are a fan of cave-like tunnels. Manganese was briefly mined on the island in 1840, then again from 1872 to 1900. Otherwise, continue on.

5.6km – At the fence line (there is a bench seat with great views), turn right away from the sea, and follow the fence line along the ridge for about 700m.

6.3km – Here you reach the top, Awaawaroa Bay Lookout with more stunning views of the island and gulf to the north.

Pack your poles away, as you’ll need both hands to grab the rope, to assist you on the 700m of descent. The rope is just for the first 100m, then some conveniently growing small trees are useful!

After it levels out for a bit, the track then descends a final time down some well-worn natural steps.

7km – Cross the pipe and rocks ‘bridge’ before beginning the final climb to Trig Hill. The track here can be a little muddy.

7.8km – You’ll come to a gate. Always leave this gate as found, as there are often ‘friendly’ cows on this part of the track.

You need to step across an electric fence here, which is safe and easy.

Though your final destination is straight ahead, (and only about 300m away) the easiest way through the pasture is turning immediately left after crossing the electric fence. Follow the fenceline for about 20m, then turn right onto the farm track which will take you up to the road near Ecozip.