Dome Valley to Pakiri Beach 27 km

Date: Sunday, 17 May, 2026
Starting Point: Dome Valley Car Park (SH1)
Distance: 27 km
Elevation Gain: 750m
Duration: ~9 hours
Difficulty: Hard (4/5 - suitable for those with experience on long full-day hikes)
Event Description
Looking for a serious full-day adventure that ends at the beach? This epic ridge hike through Dome Forest follows part of the Te Araroa trail, taking you from the valley all the way to Pakiri Beach, with incredible scenery, native bush, and a well-earned finish with your feet in the sand.
We'll start from the Dome Valley car park (SH1) and ascend through native bush to the Dome Forest Lookout. From there, we'll climb to the summit of Dome (336m) before continuing along the ridgeline through Omaha Forest all the way down to Pakiri Beach, where we will have dropped 1 or 2 cars before starting the hike.
Expect varied terrain, including steep sections, exposed roots, and potentially muddy patches, especially after rain. The track is well-marked but requires good fitness, solid experience, and proper gear.
Note: We will start at 8:30am. Drivers will need to drop cars at Pakiri Beach first, then be shuttled back to the Dome Valley start. Please arrive early to allow time for the shuttle.
What to Bring
Gear

• Sturdy hiking boots with good grip
• Weather-appropriate clothing (layers, waterproof jacket)
• Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
• Walking poles (optional but recommended for steep sections)

Food and Hydration

• At least 2-3 litres of water
• Lunch and extra snacks for energy

Important Notes

• Your safety is your responsibility.
• Need a ride? Comment below! A $25 ($20 if more than 2 passengers) contribution to your driver is suggested.
• Meetup Contribution: A small $2 contribution helps cover Meetup fees and equipment costs. Transfer to Wakahi.com Limited acct number 02-0200-0260173-000.

This hike is a fantastic way to challenge yourself on one of the North Island's most rewarding ridge tracks, finishing with a well-earned rest at Pakiri Beach. See you on the trail!
Where to drop cars at Pakiri Beach: TBC