Waikato / King Country
Hakarimata Walkway - OPEN
(North to South)
The Hakarimata Track is steep, hilly and arduous but the bush and views are worth it.
Alternatively, take the Kauri Loop Track west of the Lower Lookout to walk on past an old pa site and through bush to the large kauri trees. A few minutes further on, there's the kauri grove bush viewpoint. This loop track takes you through to the Upper Lookout. (This will add on approx 1 hour to your day).
The Hakarimata Walkway starts from the Upper Lookout. Head in a southerly direction for 20 minutes to the southern lookout where there are excellent views south across Hamilton.The Walkway continues along the undulating crest of the Hakarimata Range with occasional views out to the west and east.
Approx 500m SE of highpoint 314, there is a rough exit track heading down in an easterly direction past a disused quarry to Hakarimata Rd on the western banks of the Waikato River. It's obviously used by locals as a shortcut to town but it is hand over hand in places.
The main ridge track continues southwards to the Hakarimata Trig at 374m high. Walking 200m south of the trig, take the track leading down towards the Mangarata Stream. This track - "the Summit Track" is a tremendous success story, where the local community have adopted it as a community wellbeing tool, and it won't be uncommon to see locals heading up or down the track (often multiple times) in their quest for better health outcomes. Kia kaha!
It comes out on Brownlee Avenue which connects with Hakarimata Rd. Follow the road south east until reaching the Waingaro Road Bridge over the Waipa River. Track officially ends on the eastern bank.
If you are after amenities, continue east across the railway and Great South Road to reach Jesmond St - the main business road in the small township of Ngaruawahia.
- Vehicles on road or track. - take care on the one lane bridge
- Poisons & traps
- Few water sources
(North to South)
The Hakarimata Track is steep, hilly and arduous but the bush and views are worth it.
Alternatively, take the Kauri Loop Track west of the Lower Lookout to walk on past an old pa site and through bush to the large kauri trees. A few minutes further on, there's the kauri grove bush viewpoint. This loop track takes you through to the Upper Lookout. (This will add on approx 1 hour to your day).
The Hakarimata Walkway starts from the Upper Lookout. Head in a southerly direction for 20 minutes to the southern lookout where there are excellent views south across Hamilton.The Walkway continues along the undulating crest of the Hakarimata Range with occasional views out to the west and east.
Approx 500m SE of highpoint 314, there is a rough exit track heading down in an easterly direction past a disused quarry to Hakarimata Rd on the western banks of the Waikato River. It's obviously used by locals as a shortcut to town but it is hand over hand in places.
The main ridge track continues southwards to the Hakarimata Trig at 374m high. Walking 200m south of the trig, take the track leading down towards the Mangarata Stream. This track - "the Summit Track" is a tremendous success story, where the local community have adopted it as a community wellbeing tool, and it won't be uncommon to see locals heading up or down the track (often multiple times) in their quest for better health outcomes. Kia kaha!
It comes out on Brownlee Avenue which connects with Hakarimata Rd. Follow the road south east until reaching the Waingaro Road Bridge over the Waipa River. Track officially ends on the eastern bank.
If you are after amenities, continue east across the railway and Great South Road to reach Jesmond St - the main business road in the small township of Ngaruawahia.
Accommodation
Arrow Lodge Motel, 13 Market St, Ngaruawahia. P: 07 8248360 - E: arrowlodge@callplus.net.nz
Riverview Takeaway & Dairy - 52 Great S Rd, Ngaruawahia - P: 07 824 7797
New World Supermarket - 7 Galileo St, Ngaruawahia - P: 07 824 8275
- Keep to the track
- Respect private land
- No litter
- No dogs
- No firearms
- No fires
- Take all rubbish with you
- Use toilets provided
- Kiwis - no dogs allowed
- Conservation Area - No domestic animals allowed (i.e. includes dogs, cats or birds)
- Kauri tree disease risk - Clean boots between tracks; avoid standing on root systems
(Start)
- No amenities
- Car park
(On Route)
- No amenities
(End)
- Roadside parking only
- Accommodation Lawn tent-site, Thickpenny Ln. Call Peter Ayson 027 479 7077.
- Basic amenities available in Ngaruawahia
