The Bombay Hills rise just south of Pukekohe where State Highway 1 reaches its highest point between Auckland and Tīrau — the natural geographic divide between the Auckland region and the Waikato. About 10 minutes from Pukekohe and 50 kilometres south of Auckland, the hills are most visible as a backdrop to the Franklin plain, but they also offer the Mt William Walkway: a 4.4-kilometre track climbing to a 373-metre summit with 360-degree views across the Waikato, west coast, and Firth of Thames.
Practical Information
| Location | Bombay Hills, south of Pukekohe, Franklin district / Waikato boundary |
| Distance from Pukekohe | Approximately 10 minutes south via SH1 |
| Mt William Walkway | 4.4km, approximately 1.5 hours one way, hard difficulty |
| Summit elevation | 373 metres |
| Track start | McMillan Road (off Irish Road, off SH2) or Puketutu Road (off Razorback Road, off SH1) |
| Seasonal closure | Farmland section closed Aug–Oct for lambing (McMillan Rd end remains open) |
| Dogs | Not permitted |
| Cost | Free |
| Managed by | DOC / Herenganuku Active Travel Network |
About the Bombay Hills
The Bombay Hills form the ridge line that separates the Auckland volcanic plateau from the Waikato lowlands to the south. State Highway 1 crosses the hills via the Bombay Pass, historically the main route south from Auckland — the point where travellers leaving the city have long noticed the landscape open out into the Waikato agricultural plain below. The hills are entirely within farmland, and public access is limited to the Mt William Walkway and the roadside viewpoints along SH1 and SH2.
The hills are named after the settlement of Bombay, a small rural community at the foot of the southern side of the range. The name dates from the colonial period and has no connection to the Indian city — it is thought to have been applied informally by early settlers.
Mt William Walkway
The Mt William Walkway is a DOC-managed track that climbs through farmland and native bush to the summit of Mount William at 373 metres. The track covers 4.4 kilometres and takes approximately 1.5 hours one way from either end — most walkers allow 3 hours return. DOC rates it as a hard-difficulty track due to the sustained climb and the mixed terrain.
The Mt William Scenic Reserve contains native bush including kauri, hard beech, and king ferns — an unusual combination at this latitude. The bush section is accessible from the McMillan Road end year-round. The farmland section connecting through to Puketutu Road is closed from 1 August to 1 October for lambing — during this period, access is restricted to the reserve section only.
Views from the Summit
The summit of Mt William offers a genuine 360-degree panoramic view. Looking south, the full Waikato Plain opens out below — the agricultural landscape stretching toward Hamilton and the central North Island. To the west, the Tasman coast is visible on clear days. To the east, the Firth of Thames and the Coromandel ranges are a consistent feature of fine-day views. North, the Auckland isthmus and Manukau Harbour spread across the horizon. It is one of the few elevated points in the southern Auckland/Franklin region that delivers views in all directions from a single summit.
The Mt William Walkway is also part of Te Araroa Trail, the long-distance walking route that runs the length of New Zealand. Through-walkers pass over the Bombay Hills on their way south from Auckland.
What Visitors Say
AllTrails reviewers describe Mt William Walkway as a genuinely rewarding climb for its views — noting that the panorama from the summit is wider and more varied than expected from a hill of this modest size, with the Waikato plain, Firth of Thames, and west coast all visible on clear days.
Where to Learn More
DOC — Mt William Walkway — official track information from the Department of Conservation, including access details, seasonal closures, and safety notes.
Wikipedia — Bombay Hills — geographic and historical overview of the Bombay Hills and their place as Auckland’s southern boundary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the Bombay Hills?
The Bombay Hills are about 10 minutes south of Pukekohe on State Highway 1, forming the boundary between the Auckland region and the Waikato. The town of Bombay sits at the foot of the southern side of the range.
How long is the Mt William Walkway?
The track is 4.4 kilometres one way, rated as hard difficulty. Allow approximately 3 hours return. The summit is at 373 metres above sea level.
Where do I start the Mt William Walkway?
There are two access points: McMillan Road (off Irish Road, off SH2) and Puketutu Road (off Razorback Road, off SH1). The McMillan Road end gives access to the reserve section year-round.
Is the Mt William Walkway closed at any time?
The farmland section from Puketutu Road to the reserve boundary is closed from 1 August to 1 October for lambing. The reserve section from McMillan Road remains open year-round.
Are dogs allowed on the Mt William Walkway?
No — dogs are not permitted on the Mt William Walkway.
Is the Bombay Hills area part of Te Araroa?
Yes — the Mt William Walkway is part of Te Araroa, the long-distance walking trail that runs from Cape Reinga to Bluff. Through-walkers cross the Bombay Hills heading south from Auckland.
For more walks and day trips from Pukekohe, see the full guide to day trips from Pukekohe. The Pukekohe Hill Reserve Five Summits Trail is a full day walking option within the township itself.
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