Kakepuku Track
Tramping track
Time:
2 - 3 hr return
Getting there
Off Kakepuku Mountain Rd.
Description
From the carpark, a well marked track crosses farmland before entering the bush. The track climbs steeply before emerging at a lower peak on the upper southern slopes of Kakepuku, and can be very slippery when wet.
Kakepuku mountain
Continue along a ridge through a fine remnant of original forest in the ancient crater and finally onto the summit itself (449 metres, marked with a trig). Magnificent views of the surrounding Waipa-Waikato landscape reward your efforts at the summit.
Sights and sounds of tui and kereru can be found and heard in the Kakepuku Historic Reserve. Look out for North Island robins, 30 of which were released here in 1999. The plant species in the reserve are tawa, rewarewa, kohekohe, mangeao and pukatea. Two pa sites lie within the reserve, and there are two more on adjacent Waipa District Council land. A Maori relationship with the mountain is well established in legend and mythology.
Plan and prepare
What to expect on a tramping track:
- Challenging day or multi-day tramping/hiking
- Track is mostly unformed with steep, rough or muddy sections
- Suitable for people with good fitness. Moderate to high level backcountry skills and experience, including navigation and survival skills required
- Track has markers, poles or rock cairns. Expect unbridged stream and river crossings
- Tramping/hiking boots required