Mount Paku Summit Walk, Tairua: A Short, Steep Climb to Big Views
Mount Paku is the little volcanic peak at the end of Tairua’s peninsula, and the walk to the top is short, steep and absolutely worth it. We did it first thing on our third morning, before driving on to Rotorua: about 10 minutes of climbing and you’re standing over the town, the marina and the ocean. If you’re passing through Tairua, there’s no excuse to skip it. We rate it 9/10: completely underrated, and on a clear day the view must be stunning.
Quick facts
- Where: Mount Paku, Tairua, on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula
- Our rating: 9/10
- Distance: 0.75 mi (1.2 km) return from the upper car park
- Climb: about 335 ft (102 m); the summit is 587 ft (179 m) above sea level
- Time: about 40 minutes round trip with time at the top (we were moving for 22 minutes)
- Difficulty: steep but short, on a well-formed track with steps near the top
- Cost: free
- When we went: early morning, 23 March 2024
Before you go: check the track and recent reviews on AllTrails, and the local walking notes on the Tairua community website.
Finding the start
The hardest part of this walk is finding the car park. Our navigation sent us the wrong way more than once, so ignore it once you’re in Tairua and follow the signs up the hill through the residential streets of Paku. The track starts from a small car park partway up the mountain, next to a playground. Most of the height is done by the car, which is why the walk itself is so short.
The walk to the summit
From the car park it’s about 10 minutes up. The track is steep in places, with steps near the top, but it’s well made and easy to follow. Wear proper shoes rather than jandals, because the last section is rocky. It’s a good one for kids who can handle a short climb, and you’re never far from the car.
The view from the top
The summit gives you a full sweep: Tairua town and its marina on one side, the harbour and Pauanui across the water, and the open Pacific with the offshore islands on the other. It wasn’t a perfectly clear morning for us, but it was still well worth the climb. We stood and watched the surfers below for a while, and from up there you really get a sense of how volcanic this whole coastline is.
There’s an orientation plate at the top that names what you’re looking at, which is worth a minute before you head down.
Tips for Mount Paku
- Go early. The light is soft, the track is quiet, and it’s a short enough walk to fit in before a long drive.
- Follow the signs, not the GPS, once you’re heading up the hill to the car park.
- Wear shoes with grip. It’s short but steep, and the top section is rocky.
- Pick a clear day if you can. The view is the whole point.
The bite: Capers Epicurean, Rotorua
Mount Paku was the first stop of a driving day, and by the time we reached Rotorua we needed coffee. Capers Epicurean delivered: great coffee and a huge counter of sandwiches and desserts that made choosing the hardest part of the stop.
Mount Paku FAQ
How long does the Mount Paku walk take?
About 10 minutes each way from the upper car park. Allow 40 minutes to an hour with time at the summit.
Is the Mount Paku walk hard?
It’s steep, but very short. Anyone with reasonable fitness, including kids, can do it at their own pace.
Is Mount Paku worth it?
Yes. We gave it 9/10. It’s one of the most underrated short walks we did in New Zealand, and the payoff for 10 minutes of climbing is huge.
Where do you park for Mount Paku?
At the small car park partway up the mountain, next to a playground. Follow the road signs up through Paku rather than your navigation app.
Mount Paku was day 3 of our 10-day North Island itinerary. The day before, we were digging at Hot Water Beach; that afternoon we reached Rotorua.
