About 15 minutes to the top. Wear good footwear as although mainly paths there are rocks to climb at the end. Views well worth the climb.
You drive through Tairua and then take Paku Drive up to the start of the trail. There is an area where you can park your car. This is a relatively short hike up the mountain, at the end of which you are rewarded with stunning views - panoramic! Well worth the hike, even though we did it on a day when the fog was rolling in and the views weren't as amazing as they would have been on a clear day.
We first walked up Mount Paku 6 years ago while on a back packing adventure. The views then were stunning, today we made the shortish steep climb again. The views and the light were simply amazing and we had about 20 minutes at the summit with hardly a soul around, just perfect . The last few metres of the summit walk requires a little care as the path gives way to a tiny section that's almost a scramble. A must do if you are in this area.
Nice little climb, much harder than it looks. Nice 360 degree view of the Coromandel once you get the top and lovely views over the coastline and Tairua
Well worth the walk. The track is quite steep near the top and would not be advisable for people with lower limb issues I managed following recovery from ruptured achilles tendon but bad knees or hips don't attempt. However once at the top the view was spectacular. I will try and load a photo shortly
This is a 15 minute walk through pretty bush overlooking parts of Tairua and the ocean.Once at the top - your breath is taken away by the beauty of what you are taking in. Sweeping views of Pauanui Ocean beach and the islands out in the ocean together with Tairua Ocean Beach and more Islands and then the harbour and up the river and the volcanic ranges in the west. a 360 degree view. Look at the various colours in the water indicating the depths in the harbour. You will not be disappointed.
This is a short, easy hike with a huge overview of the area. There are a few stairs at the very end, and there is a rope swing on a beach that is just a short detour enroute.
The maps provided are at best difficult to use, as there are many public paths up to the summit! We rescued one lovely lass from Portland, Oregon.
Tairua is worth staying over for a couple of nights. The hike up the hill from the south end of the beachand then onto the second walk up to the peak of Paku gives wide ranging views both north and south of the ocean and little islands in the area. Well worth the effort and not really strenuous.
We climbed up for sunset but were a bit too late and it became overcast. The views are wonderful all around, but beware the climb was arduous, rocky in parts, steep, and not always with stairs or handrails. If it is gloomy at all take care, as steps are hard to see.