Ohinemuri Regional History Journal 34, September 1990
Black Hill in Waihi has for many years challenged the youth of the town to climb from various points to reach the summit. Thanks to the efforts of Waihi Lions Club members, there is now a clearly defined track to the top.
Just six months after the Lions Club began clearing the way, the Ngatikoi Reserve Walkway was declared open by Waihi Mayor, Owen Morgan. As a member of the South Auckland Walkways Committee, Mr Morgan said that nothing gave him greater pleasure than opening a track on the town's doorstep.
He described Black Hill as one of the area's geological oddities. The andesite knoll was dubbed Black Hill because its rock was a dark colour. Unlike the gold-bearing quartz hills around it, it will not be mined. According to old maps, the hill was originally known as Motukeo.
The area at the start of the track was, in the early days of Waihi, known as Worth's Paddock and was a favourite spot for Sunday School Picnics, bands played and there was a deep pool in the Ohinemuri River which was in constant use by the young people as a swimming pool. In later years the Boy Scouts established group bases and it was also used by motor-cycles and go-carters. Now, after more than a few decades, the reserve had gone full cycle and was once again a public amenity to be enjoyed.
After homing pigeons had been released, more than 100 members of the public climbed to the summit 439 feet above and enjoyed superb views of the township on one side and the Karangahake Gorge towards the faint traces of the Hapuakohe Range on the other side of the Hauraki Plains. To the seaward side could be seen the Waihi Gold Company's tailings dam directly below and in the distance the sea, with the Bay of Plenty and East Coast ranges being clearly visible.
The walk was comparatively easy with the steepest part being just below the summit, and can be done in just over half an hour.