Karakariki Track
Alert/Important notice
The first part of the track crosses private farmland.
Please respect the owner's rights and do not disturb stock. Note, the track can become very muddy due to pugging by stock, be mindful of this and wear appropriate footwear.
Track category
Tramping track
Time:
45 mins one way
Description
Waterfall on Karakariki Track
Follow the track markers from the carpark and follow the stream through a small bush remnant and open grassy areas. There are two suspension bridges and it doesn't take too long to reach the small waterfall - a good spot for a family picnic and a paddle in the stream (cross the ford on true right of the stream for a nice picnic spot).
You can explore upstream beyond the waterfall and look for fossils in the rocks and water.
On the true left, beyond the second suspension bridge and five minutes further along the track, you can cross the unbridged stream and follow a steep climb up to a bush-covered ridge. The track ends at the boundary fence - there is no view from this point; please do not climb the fence.
- Carpark to waterfall: 20 mins one way
- Waterfall to fenceline: 45 mins one way
The Karakariki Scenic Reserve was originally set aside as a water conservation reserve. At one time the forest was dominated by kauri but this was milled out in the early 1900s.
Getting there
Turn off the Hamilton/Raglan Highway (SH 23) into Karakariki Rd, then turn left into Karakariki Valley Rd to the car park at the road end.
Location of the Karakariki Reserve
Activities
Child/family friendly activities
Child/family friendly activities
A good track for children (though be aware it can be muddy), picnicking and looking for fossils in the stream below the waterfall.
Plan and prepare
Pet dogs are not allowed in the reserve and a permit is required for hunting dogs. A hunting permit issued by the Department covers only the 486 hectares of the reserve and not the adjoining bush blocks.
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.