Walking this section
Introduction
Te Araroa trail section: Follow the Waikato River on this scenic route, but avoid times of flood. There are great views of the river and Whangamarino Wetland, the second-largest bog and swamp complex in the North Island.
Whangamarino Redoubt Track - 2.5km / 45 minutes
This is a very scenic route but the track is basic, hilly and can be slippery – good footwear and reasonable fitness required. From the southern end of Skeet Road, keep going straight ahead, following the fence line and orange markers. When the fence ends, keep following the markers over farmland and through the bush. From the high points, there are great views of the Waikato River and Whangamarino Wetland which is the second-largest bog and swamp complex in the North Island.
Near the southern end of the track is the Whangamarino Redoubt (a historic site from the Māori Wars era). At a stile, you have the choice of going right, past remnants of the war entrenchments and through Department of Conservation (DOC) estate, or straight ahead down to Oram Road. Cross the floodgate bridge and look for a marker on the fence to your right (southbound). For northbound travellers, after crossing the floodgate bridge you turn either left, to follow a path up the hill to the redoubt site, or right on Oram Road to follow the the main route up the hill.
Whangamarino Wetlands Track - 5.5km / 2.5 hours
From the Whangamarino floodgate, follow the markers underneath the railway line and the two highway bridges before coming up onto the banks of the Waikato River and west of SH1.
This section is subject to flooding when the Waikato river floods. In extreme conditions it may be require detours in a few places.
From the south side of the floodgate the trail goes under three bridges. If the water level beside the path under the railway bridge is less than one metre below the level of the path, the track may be flooded further on beyond the two highway bridges. If the path you are on is above water, continue under the railway bridge and the two highway bridges and look for a place to climb the bank and walk along the road edge, outside the safety barrier, until you reach the clear stop bank.
If the water is much higher and you can't get under the bridges, go back to Oram Road and carefully walk across the highway. Traffic is fast, but there are gaps if you are patient. Walk along the stop bank for 3km, past the mythological taniwha lairs, boggy wetlands and landscaped grasslands to the outfall by the former power station.
Meremere Power Station km 709.1 to Dragway Road km 711.7
If the water level has been exceptionally high up to this point, you can stay on the stop bank all the way to Dragway Road. It is much nicer (and quieter) to turn off the stop bank and cross the tiny bridge to follow Te Araroa along the riverbank. Just 30 metres along the path there may be a short section of floodwater. The next 1.7km is usually dry.
At km 711.2 there may be a problem. The trail crosses the end of a pond that forms after heavy rain. It is possible to wade across, but difficult to avoid deeper parts. There is an alternative 0.4km before this pond crossing. At km 710.8 there is a stile (the third or fourth on this section). Looking left you can see some colourful beehives. Ahead of you there may be a large deep pond. Te Araroa goes to the right of the pond, but may reach deep water. It's better to turn slightly left immediately after the stile and walk around the left side of the pond on a dry route through the trees to rejoin Te Araroa at km 711.5.
Continue on south along the marked track until you reach Dragway Road. Turn right (west) and follow the road to the end.
Waikato River - 17.5km / 6 hours
Near the end of Dragway Road, an ignimbrite rock marker marks the trailhead, engraved with a Waikato River verse from a Topp Twins song. Signage indicates walkers are under the protection of the Ngāti Naho taniwha.
The first 9km from Dragway Road to the Te Kauwhata Pumphouse is the most scenic part of the track. It follows farm tracks and the stop bank for 3km before ascending hilly terrain to a height of 35m, with good river views, before descending again to the flats. Kahikatea, cabbage trees and puketea alongside the trail give a hint of the original riverside vegetation. Some short clay sections may be slippery in rain, but these can generally be avoided by taking a slightly higher path along the grassy river bank.
Soon after, the track passes onto another farm frontage, climbing to another river viewpoint before crossing a swamp on a 30m boardwalk and exiting just north of the Pumphouse. The Pumphouse is accessible by Hall Road if you want to arrange a pickup by car here.
The track continues along the stop bank parallel to Churchill East Road for most of the remaining 8.5km to Rangiriri. The quiet road shoulder is an option if you don’t like moving past occasional cattle – wear hi-viz and remove headphones.
You will find a new water supply near the pump house at marker km 720.5 – this has been kindly provided by the Te Kauwhata Water Association.
2km south of the Pumphouse, look for Tarahanga, an island that was used in former times as a Māori sentry post to detect invaders on the river. High priests here once uttered powerful incantations and sounded alarms through a rock structure known as Te Pahuu o Ngāti Pou, warning of any impending danger.
Three kilometres along this route, the track diverts on to the road for nearly 2km, then returns to the stop bank again for the final 2km to Rangiriri Bridge. This last section sometimes grazes young bulls so, if you'd prefer, the road is again an option.
The trail ends near an old redoubt where, in 1863, British troops fought Waikato warriors in a bloody encounter. The nearby Rangiriri Battle Site Heritage Centre displays military relics and an audio-visual presentation of the battle.
It's a short off-trail walk into Rangiriri for refreshments at the tavern or cafe.
For those continuing south, it is safer to walk along the riverbank to pass underneath the bridge and then scramble up the bank to cross Rangiriri Bridge on the southern side of the road.
Getting there
Track conditions
Potential hazards
- Vehicles on road or track
- Farming operations
- Track exposed to sun, wind or cold
- Few water sources
- The track is impassable when the river is in flood. The Waikato is a dangerous river. Swimming is not recommended. Water erosion may undermine the bank near the river edge. Supervise children closely.
No dogs, guns, camping or fires.
Transport
The Waikato region conveniently starts near the Mercer Service Centre, SH 1, Mercer. It is well serviced by long-haul bus companies.
- InterCity - P: 09 583 5780 - E: info@intercity.co.nz
- Northliner Express Coach Service - P: 09 307 5873
Accommodation
Mercer
- Accommodation - Kellyville Road, Mercer - on the Koheroa Bypass of the Mercer part of Te Araroa. A 1930s bungalow on 2 tranquil rural acres overlooking the Waikato River and surrounding farmland. House has 2 twin guest rooms and a newly renovated bathroom and kitchen. The property sits on the Kellyville tuff ring (volcanic) on Koheroa Ridge (Land Wars) and boasts part of the old coach road to Auckland. A 2.8 km walk West will take you to the Waikato River where you will also find Mercer Museum, Mobile Petrol station, McDonalds, Muddy Waters Irish Pub & Restaurant, Mercer Cheese Shop, Esquires Cafe, Pokeno Bacon Restaurant. Please book via airbnb.com/h/kellyville or email sofiaandreen@xtra.co.nz
Rangiriri Trail Host
- Before Rangiriri
peaceful semi-rural homestay, 5km east of marker 720.6 (Rangiriri North). Pickup available from km 720.6 or the Pumphouse on request.Stay: cosy guest room (queen pillow-top bed) or tent space. Hot shower/bath + home-cooked meal (kaitahi tātou) with friendly reo Māori–speaking whānau + gentle rescue dog Kiwa. Rest, recharge, and learn about our culture if you like.Transport: lifts to Huntly twice daily (Mon–Fri) or drop-off at Rangiriri Bridge (markers 736–737).Grounded in manaakitanga - we’d love to host and support our Te Araroa hīkoi whānau. Koha appreciated or price guide available on request. Please message Lani 020 494 3920
Rangiriri
- Camp Rangi - 16 Rangiriri Road (Come to the Pink Ice Cream Shop). Flat grassed tent sites available for $20 per night. Bunk Wagon available for $35 per night. Rooms in the Villa Available ($45 for single room or $75 double). Shower, toilet, and basic kitchen facilities along with power and wifi are available for all guests included (including tents). We also have a covered courtyard for your relaxation and comfort. Text Reggie 022 527 4210.
- Rangiriri Hotel - 8 Rangiriri Rd, Rangiriri (pub, bar, food and accommodation) - P: 07 826 3467. Tent camping at $10 per tent, with an additional $10 for a shower. Tent sites are grassed and very flat, and are around the back of the Hotel in front of the separate house. A water tap is available for use by campers, as are toilets in the Hotel. Single and double rooms are also available at $90 and $140 respectively.