The Pukekohe Five Summits Trail — Ngā Puke E Rima O Pukekohe — is a 21-kilometre loop walk that links five volcanic hills ringing the town. Opened in 2019, it starts and ends at Pukekohe Train Station and takes in Pukekohe Hill Reserve, Belmont Hill, Cape Hill, The Knoll, and Rooseville Park. Allow a full day: most walkers take between 5.5 and 6.5 hours.
Practical Information
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Distance | 21 kilometres (loop) |
| Duration | 5.5–6.5 hours |
| Difficulty | Moderate to hard |
| Start / Finish | Pukekohe Train Station |
| Opened | 2019 |
| Cost | Free |
| Track Type | Loop (can be walked in sections) |
| Te Reo Name | Ngā Puke E Rima O Pukekohe |
The Five Summits
The trail connects five distinct volcanic hills that form the elevated ring around Pukekohe. Each summit offers a different perspective on the surrounding Franklin farmland and the Manukau Harbour in the distance.
Pukekohe Hill Reserve is the most prominent, rising steeply above the town with panoramic views from its grassed summit. Belmont Hill and Cape Hill sit to the south, with open ridge walking and rural scenery. The Knoll provides another elevated viewpoint before the trail returns via Rooseville Park, a native bush reserve with king fern and Hall’s tōtara.
The Route
The trail starts at Pukekohe Train Station, which makes it accessible by rail from Auckland — a useful option if you don’t want to arrange a car shuttle. The route passes through a mix of track types: formed bush paths, farmland access tracks, and some road sections connecting the hills. Signage guides walkers between summits, though carrying a map or using the trail on a GPS app is worthwhile given the distance.
The full loop can be walked in sections across separate visits if 21km in a day is too much. The hills are also accessible individually from their own car parks for shorter walks.
What Walkers Say
“A great day out — the views from Pukekohe Hill are worth it alone, and the variety of terrain keeps it interesting the whole way. Took us just over six hours at a comfortable pace.” — AllTrails reviewer
“Loved that it starts at the train station — we took the train from Auckland, did the loop, and trained back. The section through Rooseville Park native bush at the end was a real highlight.” — AllTrails reviewer
Where to Learn More
AllTrails — Pukekohe Five Summits Trail — route map, elevation profile, reviews and photos from walkers who have completed the trail.
Auckland Council — Parks — information on the reserves and tracks managed along the Five Summits route.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Pukekohe Five Summits Trail?
The full loop is 21 kilometres, taking approximately 5.5 to 6.5 hours at a moderate pace.
Where does the trail start?
The trail starts and finishes at Pukekohe Train Station, making it accessible by rail from Auckland.
Is it a loop or out-and-back?
It’s a loop — you return to the same starting point at Pukekohe Train Station.
Can I walk it in sections?
Yes, each of the five hills is accessible from its own car park, so the trail can be broken into shorter day walks.
How difficult is the Five Summits Trail?
It’s rated moderate to hard due to its length and the cumulative elevation across five hills. It’s manageable for reasonably fit walkers but is a full day commitment.
Is the trail free?
Yes, the trail is free to walk. No permit or booking is required.
What are the Five Summits?
The five summits are Pukekohe Hill Reserve, Belmont Hill, Cape Hill, The Knoll, and Rooseville Park.
See more walks listed on the Pukekohe Walking Tracks page. The trail passes through Rooseville Park, which is worth knowing before you go, and Ernie’s Reserve is a short flat alternative walk in town.
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