Karioi Summit tracks
Track category
Tramping track
Description
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
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.
Getting there
Karioi mountain can be accessed from Ruapuke Road on the south side or drive around the coast to Te Toto Gorge, 13km from Raglan. The last 4km along Whaanga road are unsealed.
Mt Karioi Track:
Te Toto Gorge car park on Whaanga Rd, near Raglan.
Wairake Track:
The car park is at the end of Karioi Road, which is off Ruapuke Road.
Plan and prepare
Weather conditions can change rapidly, especially at higher altitudes. Always carry a change of clothing, wet weather gear and sufficient water and food.
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.
Please note: Dogs are prohibited from all tracks except for certified guide dogs and permitted hunting dogs.