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Section 32 of 93 · Waikato

Rangiriri to Huntly

Distance
21.4 km
Time
1 day
Grade
Easy
Ascent
63 m
Type
Day walk

Walking this section

Introduction

Te Araroa trail section: Follow the Waikato River past a golf course to reach Hakarimata Reserve.

Huntly Riverbank Track - 21km

Once you've crossed the bridge, continue a further 150m around the first corner where there is a stile to take you across the first fence to the riverside track which runs parallel to Te Ōhākī Road. On a clear day, you'll see the orange-topped chimneys of the Huntly Power station standing in the distance. Stay on the path , which mostly follows the stopbank. crossing several stiles

After 7km, the track comes up to the Huntly Golf Course. The track follows the river, keeping behind a screen of trees, safe from the golf balls that ping up the 16th fairway. At the tee, it's safe to come out. The clubhouse is nearby and opens most weekends for hot food, maybe even a beer. Walkers are welcome.

The track follows the stopbank out to Te Ohakī Road, to circumvent the Huntly Power Station's ash ponds. It stays on the road verge for another kilometre before ducking back onto the stopbanks, crossing Māori land between Te Ohaaki Marae and the river, then exits back onto the road. For the last 200m, it enters shady bush through the sculpture park in front of Huntly Power Station.

From the Sculpture Park, continue south along footpaths/road margins on Te Ohakī Road, then Harris Street, then Riverview Road (which becomes Hakarimata Road). Turn right (south-west) into Parker Road. Walk 800m along this road to the Department of Conservation's Hakarimata Scenic Reserve.

Getting there

Northern Start: Rangiriri Bridge (Junction of SH1 and Churchill East Road)
Southern End: Hakarimata Scenic Reserve, end of Parker Road
Elevation 63 m ascent · 10–31 m
0 km 21.4 km
GPX Full trail map

Track conditions

Potential hazards

  • Vehicles on road or track – the Glenmurray Bridge is one lane with a very narrow footpath
  • Bulls – there are one or more jersey bulls along the section between Rangiriri Bridge and Huntly Golf Course. They can be particularly aggressive at times. If a single bull is kept in a field by himself there is a reason for the isolation. Watch out for a bull among a group of cows and be prepared to get out of the field
  • Track exposed to sun, wind or cold
  • Beware flying golf balls
  • The Waikato River is dangerous – don't swim in the river. Water erosion may undermine the bank near the river edge. Supervise children closely.
No dogs, guns, camping or fires.

Transport

Huntly

Accommodation

Trail Hosts before Huntly

  • Chris and Karen, we have a lifestyle property 200m from km 734 in the North Waikato.
    We are 5 mins away from a New World Supermarket which I can take you too. We have room for tents or a self contained one bed unit (advance bookings for this would be necessary).  Meals can be provided if required. A spa is available to soak the weary body. Please contact via messenger or 027 290 3656.  Look forward to meeting you.  

Huntly

Accommodation is available in Huntly, across the Tainui Bridge from the Te Araroa route on the eastern side of the river:

  • The Essex (2km beyond the southern trailhead) - 151 Main St, Huntly - P: 07 828 7179
  • Manor Views - 24 Upland Rd, Huntly - P: 07 828 0171 or 021 959 562

Huntly Trail Hosts

  • Huntly - A comfy bed – one queen bed or two singles available,  sorry no tent space available.
    We offer evening meal and sometimes breakfast depending on time and will make depending on dietary requirements.
    Hot shower / laundry facilities
    Spa pool available
    We have two cats who are indoor cats only – ( in case people have allergies )
    Pick up and drop off available depending on time ( we work between 7am and 5pm )
    Rural outlook – peace and quiet
    We accept Koha for services.
    Hosts are Colin and Dawn
     
    Contact phone number is 027 545 4006 – Please text only with at least a days notice so I can make sure we are set up for walkers.
     
    We are approximately 4.1km off trail, at the north end of Huntly, east side.

Food and supplies