The Pylon Peak Summit Track offers views of Mt Te Aroha and Hauraki Plains. Its long and steep sections require a good level of fitness, especially towards the ridge and summit.
The Pylon Peak Summit Track is accessed from the Low-Level Track, which starts at the carpark at the end of Waiorongomai Valley Road. Walk 5 minutes to the signposted junction about 130 m along the Low-Level Track, then cross the stream.
Take the forested track, which follows an old water race, winding up the hill to the ridge and summit. Along the way, look out for the remains of the old power pylons, which took power from a hydro dam near Lake Karapiro to the Victoria Battery near Waikino.
After around 2 hour 30 min, you reach the junction with the North South Track. There are excellent views of the Waikato, Mt Te Aroha and the Hauraki Plains.
From here, return down the Pylon Peak Summit Track the way you came.
Loop alternative (more advanced and longer option)
You can take a loop by following the North South Track, Waipapa Track/Crimson Thread Track and Waiorongomai Valley tracks. It is 4-5 hours from the junction with the North South Track, taking this loop option.
From the junction of the Pylon Peak Summit Track and the North South Track, take the left-hand branch of the North South Track and follow it along the Kaimai range (towards Mt Te Aroha). This is a marked route rather than a formed track – it will be rougher, more overgrown and harder to navigate.
Follow this route until you reach the junction with Waipapa Track. Take the left-hand branch of the track (towards Te Aroha and Waiorongomai, not towards Waitawheta Hut). Follow this track as it descends to the Waiorongomai Saddle.
From the saddle, turn off the ridge and descend into Waiorongomai Valley on the Mangakino Pack Track Link. Follow the signposts to return back to the car park (there are various track options through Waiorongomai Valley).
