Kakepuku Track
Alert/Important notice
New access track under construction
A new access track is being constructed from the end of the old farm track onto the existing summit track near the top of the mountain. The existing track may be closed for short periods when helicopters are working overhead. Visitors are asked to comply with signage and directions from contractors. The work will be completed in 2012.
Track category
Tramping track
Time:
2 - 3 hr return
Description
From the car park, there are two tracks you can choose from that reach the summit - a well marked walking track or a mountain bike track.
The walking track leads to a lower viewing platform before entering the main bush. The lower part of the walking track is quite difficult and not well maintained. The track climbs steeply before emerging at a lower peak on the upper southern slopes of Kakepuku, and can be very slippery when wet.
The mountain bike track is an old farm road and of a more even gradient. If you are a walker and choose to take this track you need to be aware of mountain bikers particularly if they are coming down the mountain.
Kakepuku mountain
Once at the top continue along a ridge through a fine remnant of original forest in the ancient crater and finally onto the summit itself (449 m, 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.
Getting there
Off Kakepuku Mountain Rd.
Activities
Bird and wildlife watching
Bird and wildlife watching
Keep your eyes peeled for North Island robins and falcons.
Plan and prepare
Please note: Dogs are prohibited from all Waikato area tracks except for certified guide dogs and permitted hunting dogs.
Before you go into the outdoors, tell someone your plans and leave a date to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. To do this, use the New Zealand Outdoors Intentions process on the AdventureSmart website. It is endorsed by New Zealand's search and rescue agencies and provides three simple options to tell someone you trust the details about your trip.