Walking this section
Introduction
Te Araroa trail section: Follow part of Te Awa, a riverside path made for cyclists and walkers.
Te Awa - Riverside Path - 22km
Immediately after crossing the Waipā River, take a sharp left into Sampson Street and follow it around, joining Broadway Street, then onto the Lower Waikato Esplanade.
Follow this under the railway line and road bridge and immediately after the road bridge, join the paved path. You are now on Te Awa cycle/walkway. Follow through to the riverside reserve. Across the river is the Tūrangawaewae Marae, a very significant marae of the Māori people of New Zealand and the official residence and reception centre of the head of the Kīngitanga (the Māori King Movement).
Te Awa continues along the river, continuing south as you leave Ngāruawāhia. You'll see the Ngāruawāhia Golf Course to your right and shortly after a spectacular green bridge will appear. Cross the bridge and you will now be on the true right of the river.
The path will take you to Horotiu Bridge Road, where you'll cross back over the Waikato River, and down onto Te Awa along the river, with a small deviation away from the river just past the Fonterra dairy plant.
The path ends at the Centennial Steps to Alma Street, after passing under Claudelands Road Bridge
Getting there
Track conditions
Potential hazards
- Vehicles on road or track – stay as far off SH1 as possible
- Be aware of cyclists on cycleway into Hamilton from Horotiu
Transport
- InterCity - Major North Island routes - PH 09 583 5780 - E: info@intercity.co.nz
- BusIt - (Huntly and Hamilton) - P: 0800 205 305
-
Ngaruawahia to Hamilton Central bike ride via Te Awa Trail. 2 Hour trip, $39.00.Luggage transport option, $10.00. 08:45am transfer (subject to change)2 days notice needed. Ph: 027 265 5504 E: rentals@riverriders.co.nz
Accommodation
- Riverbed Motel 13 Market St, Ngāruawāhia. P: 07 824 8360 - E: riverbedmotel@gmail.com
- or detour west to - Waingaro Hot Springs Hotel and Camping Ground - 2263 Waingaro Rd, Ngāruawāhia - P: 07 825 4761 - E: waingaro.hot.springs@outlook.com
- Kandoit Earthship 11g Waingaro Rd, Ngaruawahia. Located in a quiet bush clad area, just a short 10-min. walk from the Hakarimata Summit track at Brownlee Ave end, km 762.9. Shower, WiFi, phone charging available and outdoor composting toilet. Tent sites: $10 per person. Private bedroom: $60 per room (Another payment option is a one-hour contribution to odd jobs, if needed) Nearby Amenities: 10-minute walk to a supermarket and laundromat. Nighttime glow worm viewing nearby – a must-see! Please contact first: Brian & Karen Gubb Ph - 027 271 3400
Food and supplies
- New World Supermarket - 7 Galileo St, Ngāruawāhia - P: 07 824 8275 Open 7.00am -9.00pm daily