Hakarimata Walkway: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

Walk the length of the Hakarimata Range and enjoy excellent views towards the coast and across the Waikato Basin. This track is part of Te Araroa Trail.

This DOC directory entry covers Hakarimata Walkway in Waikato, within Hakarimata Scenic Reserve. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.

Distance, time and grade

• Distance: 12 km one way
• Walking time: 7 hr 30 min
• DOC grade: Advanced

Access and alerts

Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.

Dog access

No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

This track is part of Te Araroa Trail.

Walking options

This is a one way track but it can be walked as return trips to the summit from either end. The track can also be accessed at the Hakarimata summit (374 m) via the Hakarimata Summit Track.

Southern section: Hakarimata Rail Trail to summit view tower

Time: 2 hrDistance: 3.5 km

Walk the Hakarimata Rail Trail to its end. From there, the track crosses a small stream on a long wooden bridge, and follow a stream up through attractive forest. Shortly after crossing a second bridge and leaving the stream, the track climbs steeply through mature forest with excellent examples of rimu, miro, matai, rewarewa, tanekaha and kohekohe. The track undulates through the forest until reaching the junction of the Hakarimata Summit Track. From the junction it is a short walk to the summit tower.

Head back the way you came, continue along the Hakarimata Walkway to Parker Road (you'll need to arrange transport), or take the Hakarimata Summit Track down to Brownlee Avenue. A 1.8 km walk from Brownlee Avenue along Waingaro Road will take you back to your start point.

Northern section: Parker Road to summit view tower

Time: 4.5 hrDistance: 6 km

From the northern end at Parker Road, follow the Kauri Loop Track as far as the top viewing point, then take the track to the Southern Lookout where there are excellent views south across to Hamilton city. The track is undulating with exposed tree roots in places and rough underfoot. It passes through mature native forest of rimu, miro, matai, totara, rata, rewarewa, hangehange and tawa, with occasional views out to the west.

Head back the way you came, continue along the Hakarimata Walkway then walk the Hakarimata Rail Trail to Waingaro Road (another 2 hours 30 minutes), or take the Hakarimata Summit Track down to Brownlee Avenue (1 hour). You'll need to arrange from the end.

This section of the walkway is part of Te Araroa - New Zealand's Trail.

Getting there

The northern section starts from Parker Road, off Hakarimata Road, approx. 7 km south of Huntly and approx. 11 north of Ngāruawāhia.

The southern section starts from Waingaro Road, off Hakarimata Road, approx. 3 km south of Ngāruawāhia.

The track can also be accessed via the Hakarimata Summit Track. This track starts on Brownlee Avenue, off Hakarimata Road, approx. 1 km north of Ngāruawāhia.

Sources and reuse

Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.

The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.