About | Dome Valley Summit Track
The Dome Valley Summit Track is part of a much longer walkway, but you choose how far you want to go. It takes you through the native bush and high up on the ridge with surrounding views.
The track first heads up to the lookout and there’s lots of steps involved. There are tree identification signs along the way and it’s a great way to familiarise yourself with our native trees if you haven’t already. Reaching the lookout platform you’ll be able to get a good bird’s eye view of the Warkworth town below, the ridgeline to the side and off into the distance is the Hauraki Gulf.
Some choose to stop here but if you wish to continue, it’s a bit of a scramble to the next lookout and it can get quite muddy in the wetter months. The track is uneven and riddled with tree roots so take care in these places. When you reach the dome summit (336m) you’ll be able to see all the way out to Taranga Island which is part of the Hen and Chicken Islands.
If you’re keen to go further, keep on. The track now takes you down the other side of the dome where you will reach the Waiwhiu Kauri Grove where around 20 mature kauri still stand, escaping the historic kauri logging.
From here, the track continues on to Govan Wilson Road. This track is part of the Te Araroa – The Long Pathway which travels from the top of New Zealand and goes right down to the bottom and is over 3,000km.
No dogs.
Time:
- To the lookout: 1km, 1-hour return
- To the Dome Summit: 1.6km, 2-hour return
- To the Waiwhiu Kauri Grove: 1.5 hours each way – 3-hour return
- To Govan Wilson Road: 7 hours one way
Nearby
Brick Bay Wines & Sculpture Trail
Scandrett Regional Park
Location
Off State Highway 1, park your car by the Dome Cafe (even better, enjoy something here afterwards).
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