Last updated November 2026
The Bombay Hills form the low ridge that marks the southern boundary of the Auckland region and the start of the Waikato lowlands. State Highway 1 crosses the range at the Bombay Pass, the highest point on the route between Auckland and Tīrau.
The hills lie east of Pukekohe, with the Mt William Walkway about 10 to 11 kilometres away in a straight line, and roughly 40–50 kilometres from central Auckland. Public access is limited to the Mt William Walkway and roadside viewpoints. The walkway climbs through farmland and native bush to a 373-metre summit with expansive 360-degree views.
Practical Information
- Location
- Bombay Hills, east of Pukekohe on the Auckland–Waikato boundary
- Distance from Pukekohe
- About 10 to 11 km east in a straight line; walkway car park on McMillan Road, off Irish Road, off SH2
- Mt William Walkway
- McMillan Road car park to the summit 2.5 km, 1 hr 30 min one way; whole walkway to Puketutu Road 4.5 km, about 3 hr one way; DOC grade: Advanced tramping track
- Summit elevation
- 373 metres
- Track access
- McMillan Road (off Irish Road, off SH2) or Puketutu Road (off Razorback Road, off SH1)
- Seasonal closure
- Farmland section closed 1 August–1 October for lambing; McMillan Road end remains open, but DOC says there is no access to the trig during the closure
- Dogs
- Not permitted
- Cost
- Free
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Track markers
- On marked bush tracks, DOC and most councils use orange triangles for the walking route. Triangles or tape in other colours, usually pink or blue, mark pest-control lines and traps. They can lead off the track, so don’t follow them.
About the Bombay Hills
The Bombay Hills are a remnant of the South Auckland volcanic field and form a modest but distinct geographic divide. Travellers heading south on State Highway 1 notice the landscape change as the hills give way to the flat Waikato agricultural plain.
The range lies entirely within farmland, so public access is restricted to the Mt William Walkway and a few roadside pull-offs.
The settlement of Bombay at the southern foot of the hills gave the range its name. The township was named after the sailing ship Bombay that brought settlers to the district in 1863–1865. The ship itself was named after the Indian city (now Mumbai).
The hills sit at the edge of the Auckland volcanic plateau and mark the point where the Waikato River is deflected westward toward the coast. They remain a clear visual landmark for anyone travelling between Auckland and the Waikato.
Mt William Walkway
The Mt William Walkway is a Department of Conservation track that climbs from farmland into the Mount William Scenic Reserve. From the McMillan Road car park to the summit is 2.5 kilometres and about 1 hour 30 minutes one way, so allow about three hours there and back.
The whole walkway, on to Puketutu Road, is 4.5 kilometres and about 3 hours one way, and DOC grades it an Advanced tramping track. The track forms part of Te Araroa, New Zealand’s long-distance trail.
From the McMillan Road end the path crosses farmland before entering native bush containing kauri, hard beech and king ferns. The reserve section remains open year-round. The farmland section from Puketutu Road to the reserve boundary closes every year from 1 August to 1 October for lambing.
During the lambing closure there is no access to the trig. At other times a fence restricts access to the trig at the summit, but DOC says visitors are welcome to cross it at a corner post using a stile.
Views from the Summit
The 373-metre summit of Mount William delivers genuine 360-degree panoramas. Southward the Waikato Plain stretches toward Hamilton. On clear days the Tasman coast is visible to the west and the Firth of Thames and Coromandel ranges lie to the east.
Northward the view takes in the Auckland isthmus and Manukau Harbour. It is one of the few elevated points in southern Auckland that offers such a wide sweep from a single vantage.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation – Mount William Walkway: official track details, access points, seasonal restrictions and safety information.
Wikipedia – Bombay Hills: geographic and historical overview of the range and its role as Auckland’s southern boundary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the Bombay Hills?
The Bombay Hills lie east of Pukekohe. The Mt William Walkway is about 10 to 11 kilometres east in a straight line, with its car park on McMillan Road, off Irish Road, off State Highway 2. The hills form the natural boundary between the Auckland region and the Waikato.
How long is the Mt William Walkway?
From the McMillan Road car park to the summit is 2.5 kilometres and about 1 hour 30 minutes one way, or about three hours there and back. The whole walkway to Puketutu Road is 4.5 kilometres and about 3 hours one way. DOC grades it an Advanced tramping track. The summit sits at 373 metres.
Where do I start the Mt William Walkway?
Access is from McMillan Road (off Irish Road, off SH2) or Puketutu Road (off Razorback Road, off SH1). The McMillan Road end provides year-round access to the scenic reserve.
Is the Mt William Walkway closed at any time?
The farmland section between Puketutu Road and the reserve boundary closes every year from 1 August to 1 October for lambing. The reserve section from McMillan Road stays open, but DOC says there is no access to the trig during the closure.
Are dogs allowed on the Mt William Walkway?
No, dogs are not permitted on the track.
Is the walkway part of Te Araroa?
Yes, the Mt William Walkway forms part of Te Araroa, the long-distance trail that runs the length of New Zealand.
What can I see from the summit?
On clear days the 360-degree view includes the Waikato Plain to the south, the Tasman coast to the west, the Firth of Thames and Coromandel ranges to the east, and the Auckland isthmus and Manukau Harbour to the north.
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