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Mount William, just a stone’s throw south of Bombay, isn’t exactly a secret, but it still feels like a hidden gem.
From the summit, the views are nothing short of epic. Here, full 360-degree vistas stretch across Pōkeno and the Waikato, out to the Firth of Thames, and even north and westward on a clear day. It’s the kind of view that makes you stop, breathe, and feel small in the best possible way.
There are two main ways to reach the top, and each has its own charm. That morning, we took the Puketutu Road entrance — a gentle climb through rolling paddocks that many locals call the “easy option.” It’s a popular choice for families and weekend wanders, and while the first section is a short climb, the rest of the track meanders around the hillside at a comfortable pace. Even in the dark, with just our torches lighting the way, the well-worn path was easy to follow. We passed fences and followed the curve of the hill.
When we reached the summit, we had time to spare. Waiting and watching as the sky shifted from deep blue to soft pink and gold. And then, just like that, the sun peeked over the horizon — a slow, golden rise that lit up the entire landscape. It was breathtaking.
If you’re looking for more of a challenge, there’s another route to the summit from the Mangatawhiri side, accessed via McMillan Road off State Highway 2. This track starts in a small paddock and quickly enters lush native bush. The climb is steeper here, with stairs and inclines that get the heart pumping, but the forest offers cool shade and a real sense of adventure. Once you emerge from the trees, the views over Pōkeno and the Waikato open up — the perfect excuse to pause, admire, and catch your breath.
The final stretch to the trig looks deceptively gentle, but it definitely works your legs. Still, it’s a manageable climb, and the reward at the top is the same breathtaking panorama — one that somehow manages to look different and beautiful in every light.
This isn’t a loop track, so you can choose to return the way you came or make it a point-to-point if you’ve got someone to pick you up on the other side. I recommend trying both routes eventually, as each gives you a different slice of the mountain’s character.
