Pylon Peak Summit Loop

A strenuous but rewarding hike to the summit of Pylon Peak, offering great views. It can be combined with other tracks for a full day tramp.

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.