Getting there
Poplar Lane, off Te Puke Highway
17km south of Tauranga along the Te Puke Highway. You'll find the Papamoa Hills Regional Park at the end of Poplar Lane.
About the walk
One hour return
The main walking track is from the car park on Poplar Lane to the trig station (at 224m). This track rises fairly steeply and leads through native bush and open farmland. The main track showcases the terracing on several pā sites. The reward at the summit is a spectacular panoramic coastal view.
There are several other tracks which allow you to explore the cultural heritage of the park and make the most of the expansive views. Most tracks lead you to each of the six pā sites within the park boundary.
Although most tracks are well formed, good walking shoes are recommended, as is a reasonable level of fitness. Take a bottle of water with you as there is no drinking water supply in the park.
There is an information board in the car park that provides further information about using the park. The park is also an operational farm. Remember to always leave gates the way you found them.
Open hours: 6.30am - 7pm (winter); 6.30am - 9pm (summer).
The gate to the car park is locked overnight.
The park is managed by Bay of Plenty Regional Council.
