Toughest Vertical Ascents on Stairs
The Kaiaraara Track to Maunga Hirakimatā/Mt Hobson in Aotea/Great Barrier Island
Ranked second among the thigh-burning climbs, the Kaiaraara Track offers a challenging ascent to Mt Hobson. However, due to partial closure, hikers should check the latest updates before embarking on this journey.
The Kauaeranga Kauri Trail (Pinnacles Walk) in Coromandel
This popular trail, known for its stunning views, features plenty of stairs, constructed from both wood and rock, leading to the 80-bed Pinnacles Hut at 582 meters. The round trip makes an excellent overnight tramp for families, taking approximately 6 hours.
The Panitahi and Syme Hut Track in Taranaki
For those seeking a challenging hike, the Panitahi and Syme Hut Track presents multiple stairs, steep scoria slopes, and a steep ascent to the 1,966-meter summit and the 10-bunk Syme Hut. The journey takes approximately 4 km or 3 hours.
The Pouākai Circuit in Taranaki
The Pouākai Circuit, including the Mangorei Track to Pouākai tarns, offers a variety of terrain, including steep climbs and the famous Pouākai Hut with 16 bunks. The route also provides a beautiful view of the Ahukawakawa Swamp and the reflection of Taranaki Maunga in the Pouākai Tarns.
The Mueller Hut Route
This route involves a rugged climb through tussock and boulders, but no stairs, making it a unique challenge. The Mueller Hut Route also includes the Sealy Tarns Track, a 4-hour return journey, known for its brutal stair climb with approximately 2,000 steps and a 520-meter ascent.
The Taranaki Maunga Summit Track
Considered the most challenging tramp in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki, the Taranaki Maunga Summit Track includes a long, exposed scree slope and a steep rocky climb known as The Lizard.
The Hump Ridge Track
The Hump Ridge Track, located in Fiordland, is a 63 km, 3-day loop track known for its stairs and boardwalks. Day 1 of the track is particularly punishing, with a steep climb to Okaka Lodge at 1,000 meters.
The Mount Manaia Track in Whangārei Heads
This sacred maunga offers a well-maintained track that leads to its summit. The route is 4 km there and back and takes about 2 hours, with numerous stairs as reported by reviews.
The Ōmanawanui Track
For a shorter option on the Karamatura-Ōmanawanui Track, the Ōmanawanui Track offers a 12 km point-to-point track that takes around 9 hours return.
The Paekākāriki Escarpment Track in Kāpiti
The Paekākāriki Escarpment Track features multiple sets of stairs and two swing bridges, making it an exciting hike for adventurous hikers.
The Sealy Tarns Track in Aoraki/Mount Cook
Mentioned as the most-mentioned brutal stair climb, the Sealy Tarns Track takes about 4 hours return and is part of the Mueller Hut Route.
The Karamatura-Ōmanawanui Track in West Auckland
This challenging 12 km point-to-point track takes around 9 hours return, offering a rewarding hike for those seeking adventure.
Note
A search for the first ascent on the Hakarimata Summit Track in Waikato did not yield results concerning a person who caused an outrage because the path was not listed in the top 10 steepest stair climbs.
