Karamu Walkway
Track category
Tramping track
Description
Ferns, Karamu Walkway
Track times
You can choose to do the whole walkway, one section of it, or simply wander up to enjoy the view then return to the carpark.
- Four Brothers Track: State Highway 23 to Reserve Boundary - 25 mins
- Karamu Walkway North: State Highway 23 to Old Mountain Rd - 1 hr
- Karamu Walkway South: Old Mountain Rd to Limeworks Loop Rd - 2 hr 30 mins - 3 hrs
Superb 360 degree views and impressive limestone bluffs are features of this walk.
It provides an opportunity to walk over farmland with sheep, cattle and goats close at hand.
It is best to begin the walk at the Four Brothers Scenic Reserve carpark on the Hamilton-Raglan Highway (State Highway 23). A moderate climb through bush leads to the Reserve's southern boundary and open farmland. From this point you will be crossing privately owned land, so please respect the owner's rights and:
- Keep to the marked route
- Do not disturb stock (note that bulls may be present)
- Do not take dogs on the walkway
- Do not carry firearms
- Use stiles, not gates
- Avoid hay barns and other farm structures
- Be careful with cigarette butts
- Avoid using the walkway after dark.
Karamu Walkway North
Time: 1 hr one way
Start from the car park on the Hamilton-Raglan Highway along the Four Brothers Track before crossing open farmland. This section of the walkway is across private land so please respect the owner's rights. Follow the white posts and orange markers along the main ridge to Old Mountain Rd. There are great views of the Hakarimata Range in the north, Karioi and the coast to the west, Pirongia to the south and Hamilton city to the east.
Karamu Walkway South
Time: 2 hrs 30 mins - 3 hr one way
This section of walkway starts on the south side of Old Mountain Rd. After an initial climb you cross gently-rolling pasture studded with outcrops of limestone before dropping down to a bush remnant at the southern end of the track. The track descends steeply in places through the bush (slippery when wet) and then down a farm road to the grassy flats, with some large totara and kahikatea along the way. Follow the markers across to the swingbridge over the Kaniwhaniwha Stream and exit on to Limeworks Loop Rd (parking on roadside).
If you don't want to retrace your steps back along the track you will need to arrange transport from either Limeworks Loop Rd or Old Mountain Rd.
Getting there
Begins from the Four Brothers Scenic Reserve, on the Hamilton-Raglan highway (State Highway 23), or from Limeworks Loop Road.
Plan and prepare
The walkway is closed each year during the lambing period 1 August to 30 September.
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.
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