Last updated July 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 about 10 minutes south of Pukekohe 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, south of Pukekohe on the Auckland–Waikato boundary |
| Distance from Pukekohe | Approximately 10 minutes south via SH1 |
| Mt William Walkway | 4.4 km one way, 1.5 hours one way, hard difficulty |
| 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 |
| Dogs | Not permitted |
| Cost | Free |
| Managed by | Department of Conservation |
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. The full route is 4.4 kilometres one way and rated hard because of the sustained climb and mixed terrain. Most walkers allow three hours for the return trip. 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 linking to Puketutu Road closes from 1 August to 1 October for lambing. A fence now restricts access to the trig point at the summit.
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.
What Visitors Often Say
AllTrails reviewers describe the Mt William Walkway as a rewarding climb that delivers wider and more varied views than expected from a hill of this size, with the Waikato plain, Firth of Thames and west coast all visible on clear days.
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 about 10 minutes south of Pukekohe on State Highway 1 and form the natural boundary between the Auckland region and the Waikato.
How long is the Mt William Walkway?
The track is 4.4 kilometres one way, rated hard, and takes about 1.5 hours one way or three hours return. 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 from 1 August to 1 October for lambing. The reserve section from McMillan Road stays open.
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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