Windy Canyon and Palmer’s Track to Mt Hobson (Hirakimata), Great Barrier Island

A short canyon approach

The track begins at the top of Whangapoua Hill on Aotea Road. Windy Canyon is a concise outing in its own right, or the opening stretch of a longer climb to Mt Hobson (Hirakimata), the summit route described here as the shortest and easiest of the island’s three paths. DOC

The Windy Canyon section takes 15 min one way, climbing numerous steps between sheer rock faces. Views open toward Okiwi Basin and Whangapoua Beach and estuary to the north, then Kaitoke and Medlands beaches to the east. At the natural-rock lookout, footing deserves care: the surface can be slippery and uneven, with a significant fall risk. DOC

Ridge and forest

Beyond the lookout, Palmer’s Track changes from a walking track to a tramping track. It follows the ridge, where vistas shift in every direction, before turning steeply toward the summit. Steps and stairways traverse the inclines; regenerating forest and healthy prostrate kānuka mark the route’s living texture. DOC

The ridge also holds a reminder of earlier land use: the wooden horse, a sturdy H-frame once used to winch logs up from the eastern slopes and over the saddle. Near the summit, mature forest survives where logging was difficult and fires on lower slopes did not reach. Rimu, Kirk’s pine, pink pine and kauri remain as remnants of ancient conifer forest. DOC

Summit habitat and choices

Hirakimata is notable for its wildlife as well as its views. Tomtit, black petrel and reintroduced North Island robin favour the summit area; kākāriki, kākā, Great Barrier tree daisy and tiny sun dews are also recorded here. Black petrels breed on the mountain’s slopes between October and May, so staying on track helps protect rare plants and avoid disturbing birds. DOC

Choose the canyon lookout as a short destination, or continue to the summit if prepared for steep, sometimes slippery tramping terrain. Sturdy footwear with good grip is recommended beyond the lookout; sneakers are unsuitable. There are no water sources on the walking track, so carry water, and be ready for changeable island weather with warm layers, rain protection and sun protection. Cell coverage is average. Dogs are not allowed. DOC