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Key facts
- Distance
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 2-3 hr one way
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Karioi area / Pirongia Forest Park
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
This is the shorter and less steep route to the summit of Mt Karioi. The track crosses private farmland before climbing through native bush.
This DOC directory entry covers Wairake Track in Waikato, within Karioi area / Pirongia Forest Park. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time: 2-3 hr one way
- 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
There are two tracks up to the summit of Karioi, this track and Mt Karioi Track. Do a return trip on this track or combine the tracks and cross the mountain – you'll need to arrange transport from the other side of the mountain.
This is the shortest route to the summit and isn't as steep as sections of the Karioi Track. It doesn't have the same views.
It’s a 40-min walk across private farmland to the bush edge. Respect the access privilege which is only available during daylight hours.
From the bush edge, the track climbs steadily through coastal forest, comprising kohekohe, māhoe, rewarewa, kamahi and a variety of ferns and shrubs, to the summit.
Getting there
Starting in Raglan:
Leave Raglan following SH23.
Turn right onto Te Mata Road after 5.4 km.
Turn right onto Ruapuke Road after 7.6 km.
Turn right onto Karioi Road after 7 km.
After 650 metres you arrive at the end of the road where the track starts.
If coming from Hamilton turn left onto Te Mata Road from SH23. Then follow the same directions as above from point 3.
Know before you go
The high level tracks on Karioi follow steep-sided ridges. Water is difficult to find, especially in summer, so be sure to take sufficient drinking water with you.
Access is only allowed during daylight hours.
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.
