Just south of Bombay, the Mount William Walkway offers stunning views from some of the highest vantage points in the Auckland region. Only 40 minutes drive from the CBD, it’s a great half day escape from the city.
On a crisp and misty July morning I started the track from the McMillan Rd end. Crossing a few fields I reached the native bush of Mount William Scenic Reserve, home to kauri, hard beech and king ferns. This is where the climb starts, though there are steps and the gradient is manageable.
Coming out of the bush into open farmland scattered with sheep was the steepest and slipperiest part of the track, heading up toward Mt William. As I finished the track a few hours later I saw the distinctive red Westpac helicopter pass over my head toward it, rescuing a lady in a group who had slipped badly coming down the slope. Perhaps I shouldn’t have run down it ahead of them on my return…
Mt William is 373m high. To put that in perspective Mt Eden is 196m and Rangitoto 260m. The summit offers 360 degree panoramic views over southern Auckland and the Waikato, including the Kaimai Range, and Pokeno with it’s huge diary factory.
The expansive views continue as you head down and then back up toward the 3m higher Puketutu, home to another trig and an enormous telecommunications tower belonging to Spark. You can be guaranteed of good mobile reception here!
You can also be guaranteed (subject to weather of course!) of stunning views. I could see the Sky Tower and Rangitoto in the distance, it’s a great spot.
Rather than continue down to Puketutu Road I turned back and retraced my steps to McMillan Rd end. I was home in time for well deserved lunch, after a morning of fresh air, wonderful views, and a bit of exercise.
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