Sentinel Rock Lookout Track has three lookouts - two are easily accessible, the pièce de résistance of a lovely bushwalk under giant Kauri and Nikau palms. The third is on Sentinel Rock itself (see note below) - the old narrow track is a gauntlet of steep rock outcrops, ropes and track erosion. The wind was so gusty, I couldn't even stand up on the second lookout, so I didn't push through to the third lookout. Return on the same track.

Note from the DoC website: The old track to the top of the rock is considered dangerous and should not be used.


Located within the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park, the Tuahu Track car park is at the end of Hot Springs Road, just south of Katikati off SH2. The lookout track is signposted 25 mins along Tuahu Track, not far from the giant Tuahu Kauri.

From the turnoff, it starts off with a steep climb - pretty much what you'd expect from a hike in the Kaimai Mamaku. After 20 mins or so, you’ll find relief under the canopy of giant Kauri and Nikau palms. I found the track well-graded and lovely bushwalk, despite the typical rootiness of a Kauri track. Whoever marked this track made sure there were orange markers for days - if you got lost on this track, that's on you buddy.

One of my favourites trees.

The track travels along an undulating ridge, giving your quads a chance to enjoy themselves, but still feel like you've earned the views. The shelter of the canopy totally made me forget about the gusty winds until I popped out at the tops and saw the wind howling through trees. I pushed through and got to the first lookout not long after. Ugh, limited views because of rolling clouds. Almost lost my hat twice, so didn't stay long.

Views from the first lookout.

Sentinel Rock from the second lookout.

The second lookout is about 10-15 mins along the same track. It isn't signposted, which confused a group of hikers I met on my way back. Just keep going until you see a large boulder - that's the second lookout. It was pretty hazy when I was up there, but I still got some views of Tauranga Harbour to the east. The wind wasn't letting up and kept trying to steal my hat, so I walked down to the start of the old track to find shelter for lunch. Cheese and crackers went down a treat.

Views of Tauranga Harbour from the second lookout.

The group of hikers I met on my way back were the first people I’d seen on the track all morning. There were a few more that followed them, including a dog that interrupted my day dreaming. Cute doggo though. The car park was still full on my return that afternoon, not surprising as it's a good entry point for other tracks in the Kaimai Mamaku, including the North-South Track.