Karioi Summit tracks
Tramping track
Getting there
Mt Karioi Track: Te Toto Gorge carpark on Whaanga Rd, near Raglan.
Wairake Track: carpark off Ruapuke Rd.
Description
Mt Karioi
Karioi is a ancient volcano and the views from the summit are spectacular. On a fine day you can see Mt Taranaki, Pureora, Maungamangero and Te Aroha. Closer at hand you can see all the local harbours as well as Mt Pirongia and Maungatautari. There are two tracks up to the summit of Karioi so you can do a crossing or a return trip either side. You will need to arrange your own transport if you do the crossing.
Mt Karioi Track
Times: Carpark to lookout: 2 hr 30 min - 3 hr one way
Carpark to summit: 3 hr - 3 hr 30 min one way
This track is the closest to Raglan and is the steeper but more interesting of the two options.
Once over the stile at the start of the track it’s all uphill but there are plenty of good vantage points where you can stop and admire the view. After walking through an open grove of kanuka you walk up a grassy slope before gaining the main ridge. Chains and ladders have been installed to help you negotiate the occasional rocky outcrop.
At the large rocky bluff the track sidles around to the north for a short distance then climbs steeply back to the ridge. From there it is a 10 minute walk along to the lookout, signposted down a short side track. From the junction it is an hour to the summit along an undulating ridge. The vegetation along this ridge has been beautifully sculptured by the strong prevailing westerly winds.
Wairake Track
Time: 2 - 3 hr one way
This is the shortest route to the summit. You drive to a carpark off Ruapuke Road then it’s a 40-minute walk across farmland to the bush edge. From there the track climbs steadily through native forest to the summit. It is not as steep as sections of the Mt Karioi Track.
Plan and prepare
Remember, weather conditions can change rapidly, especially at higher altitudes. Always carry a change of clothing, wet weather gear and sufficient water and food.
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
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