Discover the Pillars of Hercules
The Pillars of Hercules to Urchin Campsite Track is a moderate short track that connects the Pillars of Hercules gorge to Urchin Campsite, passing through beautiful rainforest in the Kaimanawa Forest Park. It follows part of the Tongariro River before climbing into beech forest and a clearing around the campsite. From the Pillars of Hercules, you can also cross a high swingbridge and walk or cycle the track west through forest to the Desert Road (State Highway 1), about 5 km away.
Track Experience
At the start of the track, the Pillars of Hercules is a striking feature; a gorge with steep rock walls carved out by the Tongariro River. You can cross the gorge on a narrow, 40 metre swingbridge which is about 40 metres above the river. What’s more, because of the surrounding trees, you cannot see what you are crossing until you step out. It is quite a surprise to realise how high you are above the river as it rages through the gorge! Unfortunately, it is hard to capture the experience in a photo due to the dense surrounding tree foliage.
The track itself is a straightforward 1.5 km walk from the gorge to the Urchin Campsite. The first section remains high above the river, offering lovely views, but some caution is required. After that, it heads deeper into the forest, taking about 30 minutes to walk each way. Expect mountain beech forest with occasional red beech and native ferns.
Getting There
Access to the Pillar of Hercules is via Kaimanawa Road, off the Desert Road, then a short section of signposted gravel side road, with a car park close to the Pillars of Hercules swingbridge. You can also continue on the side road to the Urchin Campsite by car.
Nearby places include Waikato Falls, Beggs Pool, Kaimanawa Road Campsite, the Waikoko Campsite and the Tree Trunk Gorge Track. For a more substantial tramping experience, you can also access the Umukarikari Track and Mt Urchin Trig Track, which take you deeper into the mountains in Kaimanawa Forest Park.
