Karioi summit tracks
Located in Karioi area and Pirongia Forest Park in the Waikato region
Introduction
Karioi is an ancient volcano and the views from the summit are spectacular.On a fine day you can see as far south as Mt Taranaki, the Herangi Range and Pureora. There is also a good view of all the local harbours as well as Pirongia, Maungatautari and Te Aroha mountains.
Dog access
There are two tracks up to the summit of Karioi. Do a return trip on one track or combine the tracks and cross the mountain – you'll need to arrange transport from the other side of the mountain.
Mt Karioi Track
Time to lookout: 3 hr one way
Time to summit: 3 hr 30 min one way
This is the steeper but more scenic of the two summit tracks.
Once over the stile at the start of the track, it’s all up hill, but there are plenty of good vantage points to stop, catch your breath and admire the view. After passing through a grove of kānuka, the track climbs up a grassy slope before reaching the main ridge. Chains and ladders have been installed to help negotiate the occasional rocky outcrop. At a large rocky bluff the track sidles around to the north for a short distance then climbs steadily to the ridge. At this point, a short 10-minute side track takes you to a lookout providing good views across Raglan Harbour.
Back on the main track it is another hour to the summit (756 m) along an undulating ridge. The vegetation along the ridge has been sculptured by the strong prevailing westerly wind. The forest changes from kohekohe at lower altitudes to tawa forest, to kamahi and tāwheowheo towards the top. Other species of note include miro, toro, horopito and Dracophyllum traversii.
Getting there
Starting in Raglan:
- From Bow Street turn onto Wainui Road.
- After 8 km turn onto Whaanga Road at a roundabout.
- After 5.5 km you'll arrive at the carpark for Mt Karioi Track
The last 4 km of Whaanga Road are unsealed.
Wairake Track
Time: 2–3 hr one way
Access is only allowed during daylight hours.
This is the shortest route to the summit and isn't as steep as sections of the Karioi Track. It doesn't have the same views.
It’s a 40-min walk across private farmland to the bush edge. Respect the access privilege which is only available during daylight hours.
From the bush edge, the track climbs steadily through coastal forest, comprising kohekohe, māhoe, rewarewa, kamahi and a variety of ferns and shrubs, to the summit.
Getting there
Starting in Raglan:
- Leave Raglan following SH23.
- Turn right onto Te Mata Road after 5.4 km.
- Turn right onto Ruapuke Road after 7.6 km.
- Turn right onto Karioi Road after 7 km.
- After 650 metres you arrive at the end of the road where the track starts.
If coming from Hamilton turn left onto Te Mata Road from SH23. Then follow the same directions as above from point 3.
The high level tracks on Karioi follow steep-sided ridges. Water is difficult to find, especially in summer, so be sure to take sufficient drinking water with you.
Stay safe in the outdoors
- Take the right gear for your trip: Walking and tramping gear lists.
- Tell a trusted person your plans and when to raise the alarm if you haven’t returned. Send them the information directly, or use the Outdoor Intentions form or Plan My Walk.
- Follow the five essential steps of the Land Safety Code.
Contacts
| Te Rapa Office | |
| Phone: | +64 7 850 8378 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | waikato@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
5 Northway St Te Rapa Hamilton 3200 |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 20025 Te Rapa Hamilton 3241 |
| Full office details | |