Starting from the Dome Tearooms carpark , steps climb steeply for the first 300m along a narrow road reserve to the Dome Forest conservation area (401 ha). The track passes through mixed podocarp and broadleaf forest 🌲🌿, following a ridge to a lookout platform with stunning views across the Mahurangi Peninsula and out to the Hauraki Gulf 🌊.

The Dome Valley Summit Track is part of a much longer walkway, but you can choose how far you want to go. It winds through native bush 🌿 and takes you high up on the ridge with breathtaking views 🌄.

The track starts with a climb up to the lookout, and there are plenty of steps along the way. Look out for tree identification signs 📚—a great way to get familiar with New Zealand’s native trees if you haven’t already. At the lookout platform, you’ll be treated to a fantastic bird’s-eye view of Warkworth town below, the surrounding ridgeline, and the sparkling Hauraki Gulf 🌊

Many choose to stop here, but if you're keen to continue, the track gets a bit more challenging. It involves some scrambling to reach the next lookout, and it can get quite muddy in the wetter months 🌧️. The trail is uneven, with tree roots in places, so be sure to watch your step! Once you reach the Dome Summit (336m), you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views, including Taranga Island, part of the Hen and Chicken Islands 🏝️.

For those wanting to go further, the track continues down the other side of the dome, leading to the Waiwhiu Kauri Grove 🌲, home to around 20 mature kauri trees that escaped the historic logging. From here, the track carries on to Govan Wilson Road. This trail is part of the Te Araroa – The Long Pathway which stretches over 3,000km from the top to the bottom of New Zealand 🇳🇿.

Cute cafe to stop by after your walk: Sheepworld Farm & Café (Pinned)

from reviewers:

'Good fun walk, it says around 30 minutes each way which is about right. You need good shoes as the walk is uphill on the way to the summit. There are longer walks available up to 7 hours if you really want. Plenty of fauna to see on the way and it is about 95% shaded for the walk.'

'Starting from the Dome tearooms carpark, steps climb steeply for the first 300 m along a narrow road reserve to the Dome Forest conservation area (401 ha) Allow a good half hour each way to viewing platform for averaged fitness. The track passes through mixed podocarp and broadleaf forest and follows a ridge to a lookout platform, with views across the Mahurangi Peninsula to the Hauraki Gulf. This track is part of Te Araroa - The Long Pathway.'