Whitianga

Auckland shared trails Some of the fantastic tracks and trails Pauanui in the region have been created for multiple types of users, including cyclists and walkers/hikers, to enjoy. Walking & hiking Miranda Thames Sometimes the shared path is sign Pukekohe posted to let you know what type of user has priority, and in this case, you need to give way to the user identified. When a shared path does not have priority signs, in Hamilton & Tuakau be sure to give way to the slower user. Waihi Paeroa If you are walking on a shared trail you MUST-DO WALKS AND HIKES IN THE HAMILTON & WAIKATO REGION MT TE AROHA should: From winding mountain tracks Te Aroha’s namesake mountain PUKEMOKEMOKE • Keep to the left of the path through ancient bush-clad has fine walks and views and the • Watch for cyclists and listen for the landscapes and wildlife reserves bonus of mineral spas at its base to HAKARIMATA'S Huntly Te Aroha sound of bicycle bells approaching to casual strolls along the river and soothe aching muscles afterwards, from behind fertile rolling hills, the Hamilton & while at the other end of the region, • Allow cyclists to pass on the right Waikato region offers an array of Pureora Forest Park offers some HAMILTON CITY Ngaruawahia WAIRERE FALLS excellent walking and hiking trails to serious tramping and the sight of the RIVER WALK man's best friend suit all levels. buried forest, created by a violent Te Miro Tauranga eruption 1800 years ago. BRIDAL VEIL FALLS maUngakawa Please Note that many of the walking something FOR EVERYONE Raglan HAMILTON trails in the Hamilton & Waikato region Meander alongside the mighty mountain streams Te AWA Matamata do not allow dogs. Hamilton & Waikato , or get the pulse You’ll never be far from clear Cambridge Tourism recommended checking with mt pirongia Te Waihou the Department of Conservation before racing as you climb to a spectacular mountain streams on the likes of taking your four legged friend on any of mountain top view. There is Mt Pirongia and waterfall walks Pirongia Karapiro the paths, tracks and trails in the region. everything from gentle jaunts on well are scattered through the region, Tirau laid out tracks to more ambitious including the spectacular and aptly Putaruru Kihikihi hikes including overnight hut stays – named Bridal Veil Falls near KIWIANA WALK KEY and it's all easily accessible. Raglan and the Wairere Falls MANGAPOHUE talking poles The region’s high points all have near Matamata. Marvel at Kawhia accessible options for assisted wheelchairs and strollers breath-taking vistas - whether that’s South Waikato’s Blue Spring Rotorua the rich green farming countryside, at Te Waihou Walkway, with its Otorohanga Tokoroa on-leash dogs allowed or the distant sight of snow-capped stunning crystal clear and bright blue colour due to the purity of overnight options available mountains to the south, every hike Waitomo Caves the water or simply stroll along has its own unique visual rewards at Te Kuiti shared trail options the top. the banks of the Waikato Mangaokewa Mangakino (walk and cycle) River and marvel at its flow. ’s national walkway, Atamuri Te Araroa (Long Pathway), passes Explore the region on foot Piopio Benneydale more information through the region, taking in a year round to discover what makes the Hamilton historic walk at Mercer, farmland While we have highlighted some of & Waikato region's unique from Waitomo to Te Kuiti and the most popular walks in the region most spectacularly a traverse of landscape so beautiful. there are many other fantastic trails Mt Pirongia including the summit. available – for more information Meanwhile, the Hakarimata Range Mokau about these as well as the tracks and near Ngaruawahia in the north of the region (also part of Te Araroa) offers trails profiled in this brochure please Taupo visit hamiltonwaikato.com/walking visitors the chance to get up close Lake Taupo with ancient kauri trees.

Turangi Thermal Explorer Highway walks & hikes

Hamilton City River Walk - Hamilton Bridal Veil Falls - RAGLAN Hakarimata Scenic Reserve - Ngaruawahia Hamilton's river paths are among the city's most popular parks, The spectacular 55m high Bridal Veil Falls, also known as the Located to the west of Ngaruawahia, the Hakarimata Ranges favoured by runners, walkers and cyclists. This picturesque shared Waireinga Falls, is an iconic Waikato attraction. include 1,850 hectares of native forest protected within Hakarimata walkway and cycleway runs for 10km through central Hamilton, Scenic Reserve. A walk in the reserve will reward you with babbling Perfect for families, the walk to Bridal Veil Falls is an easy 10 along the banks of the mighty Waikato River. streams, picturesque waterfalls and impressive views over the minutes through native bush, to two viewing platforms, both surrounding countryside. The track is well signposted and can be accessed at multiple providing stunning vistas and ample photo opportunities of the points along the river. It stretches between Pukete in the north, plunging white falls flanked by grey rock and green bush. The Hakarimata Ranges itself boasts several great walking trails, where it links with the nearby Hamilton Mountain Bike Track in with the Hakarimata Summit track being one of the most popular. Looking down to the base of the waterfall, you will see soft Pukete Farm Park, and the internationally acclaimed Hamilton Having secured a following with local fitness enthusiasts, you may sandstone rocks, worn away by the water to form a large Gardens in the south where you can continue your walk and see people on the track timing themselves to see how fast they amphitheatre. wander through the stunning gardens. can run or walk up the infamous stairs as part of their training. With A steep set of steps leads down to the bottom of the falls. From over 1000 stairs one way, this walk is a popular challenge with the Forming part of the wider ‘Te Awa – The Great NZ River Ride’ here there is another magnificent view, directly across the pool and reward of stunning views from 347m above sea level at the summit the Hamilton City River Walk section is suitable for all fitness and up at the falls, where you can see the band of hard basalt rock that lookout. experience levels. There are several park benches and grassy has resisted the erosive power of the water and now forms the lip areas along the track offering scenic views of the river and CBD. Other walks in the range include the Hakarimata Kauri Loop Track of the falls. which will take you past impressive native Kauri trees through a AT A GLANCE AT A GLANCE grove of young Kauri, as well as Rimu and Nikau; the Hakarimata Rail Trail which is a shared cycle and walkway and suitable for buggies and assisted wheelchairs and the Waterworks Track which ends at an old dam before connecting with the summit track on the southern side of the range.

• Tackle the infamous staircase for a challenging • Two different views of the stunning 55m Falls workout with rewarding views at the top • Stunning river and cityscape vistas throughout • Sandstone rock formations • The grove of young Kauri trees towering above form a delicate, picturesque canopy of leaves • Funky cafes and eateries along the way • Top viewing spot easily accessible for all ages and • 2014 International Garden of the Year, Hamilton Gardens, abilities ACCESS: at the southern end Distance: • No swimming permitted as the water quality does not From Hamilton (southern end): Distance varies ACCESS: Distance: meet the standard required off Brownlee Avenue, off the depending on which This walk can be accessed at 10km ACCESS: Distance: Ngaruawahia end of Hakarimata trail you walk Road; From Huntly (northern end): various points along the trail on The Falls are signposted from 10 minutes each at the end of Parker Road, off both the eastern and western State Highway 23, between way to the top Hakarimata Road side of the river Te Uku and Raglan lookout For more information visit: For more information visit: For more information visit: www.hamiltonwaikato.com/hamilton-city-river-rides www.hamiltonwaikato.com/bridal-veil-falls www.doc.govt.nz walks & hikes

Mt Pirongia Summit Track - Te Awamutu MAUNGAKAWA SCENIC RESERVE - CAMBRIDGE Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari With a range of easy to more challenging options, Mt Pirongia’s What was once a TB Sanatorium for returned servicemen, the walks provide a rejuvenating experience amongst lush native forest Maungakawa scenic reserve boasts regenerating native forest with - Te Awamutu and clear mountain streams. a scattering of exotic trees, plenty of native birdlife and a 30 minute Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is the largest ecological loop walk. The Mt Pirongia Summit Tracks offer a fairly strenuous full-day bush ‘island’ on mainland New Zealand. A haven for native wildlife walk leading to and from the summit. The Tirohanga Track will take The Maungakawa Loop walk is based inside the Maungakawa and plants such as Kiwi, Kokako (wattlebird), Tuatara and more, you to the summit through steep and at times challenging terrain, Scenic Reserve near Cambridge. The easy walk includes Maungatautari also provides great walking and hiking tracks. with a lookout tower at the top of the track offering panoramic views descriptive signage identifying native trees along the way and is Surrounded by 4.7kms of predator proof fence which encloses of the surrounding area. perfect for young families. 3,400 hectares of Mt Maungatautari, the Maungatautari Ecological An easier but slightly longer route is the Tahuanui Track, which The reserve also boasts a rich heritage, with a magnificent Island Trust strives to eradicate mammalian predators so that branches off the Nikau Walk and is part if Te Araroa, New Japanese walnut tree, camellia hedge, rhododendrons, bluebells native bird populations, trees and ferns are able to flourish Zealand’s trail from Cape Reinga to Bluff. and snowdrops all a legacy of the Thornton Garden. Old concrete uninhibited. The Southern Enclosure’s five walks provides some of footings and the shell of an old building are also visible remains of the best bird watching opportunities on the mountain. Mt Pirongia walking tracks are also popular for overnight hiking the TB sanatorium that gave the reserve the name Sanatorium Hill. options, staying in the Pahautea Hut. Serious walkers can start in Cambridge and walk 8.8km (17km AT A GLANCE AT A GLANCE return) to the reserve via Thorton Road and Maungakawa Road. AT A GLANCE

• Panoramic views of the region from the summit • Guided night tours available • Lush native bush • Perfect picnic spots with stunning flowering cherries in • 16m high canopy tower takes you up into the forest the spring canopy • An overnight trip to the Summit offers a full two day hike staying in the DOC hut • Regenerated native forests with ample bird watching • Flourishing native birdlife provide ample bird watching opportunities opportunities in the bird feeding area ACCESS: Distance: • Rich heritage to explore Tirohanga access 5.5 km north 6.5km one way for ACCESS: Distance: of Pirongia, turn off SH39 onto Te Tirohanga Track or The Southern Enclosure can be Distance varies Pahu Road, which is signposted 10.7km one day for ACCESS: Distance: accessed from the carpark and from short walks for Pirongia Forest Park. Tahuanui Tahuanui Track Carpark off Gudex Road, 1.2km loop walk Visitor Centre at the end of Tari to full day hikes access via Kaniwhaniwha carpark off Maungakawa Road Road, Pukeatua depending on the on Limeworks Loop Road trail followed For more information visit: For more information visit: For more information visit: www.hamiltonwaikato.com/sanctuary-mountain- www.doc.govt.nz www.hamiltonwaikato.com/maungakawa-scenic-reserve maungatautari walks & hikes

Te Awa - The Great NZ River Ride Te Waihou Walkway - Putaruru Tokoroa Talking Poles - Tokoroa Weaving its way through rural and urban landscapes, taking in The Te Waihou Walkway to the Blue Spring is definitely one of the The Talking Poles that line the central shopping streets of Tokoroa waterfalls and historic Maori sites as well as trendy shops, cafes region’s true hidden gems. Producing water so pure it supplies are a must visit South Waikato attraction. and wineries the 70km river ride and walk, once completed, will around 70% of New Zealand’s bottled water, the Blue Spring More than 40 poles comprise the collection, with each one span from Ngaruawahia to . is fed from the Mamaku Plateau, taking up to 100 years to filter reflecting the variety of cultures that reside in the South Waikato through with the resulting water so clean that it produces a vibrant, The sections through Hamilton city and between Cambridge and area. The Pacific Memories and Professional Business Women iridescent blue colour while being virtually clear. Lake Karapiro are complete and ready for walkers now, while Poles, the interestingly named Crazyman Pole, named because of the remaining sections are currently in development. The track is The walk to the springs follows a track alongside the Waihou River, the grass growing out of his head, and The Pine Man which stands primarily wide, smooth and largely flat making Te Awa suitable for through wetlands and across rolling pastoral fields and features tall along the main highway through town, are among the collection. all fitness and experience levels. views of small waterfalls, native bush and the famous Blue Spring The sculptures, which were developed as part of the retail upgrade with glimpses of trout along the way. Tokoroa has undergone in recent years, can be seen mainly around Once complete Te Awa will also link with the Waikato River Trails the CBD of Tokoroa and form a trail where you can take in the poles near Horahora, providing walkers and cyclists with 170km of trail The walkway offers two options – the first is a one and a half hour and learn about their stories and the history of the area. to enjoy. walk each way along the Waihou River, starting from Whites Road near Putaruru, while the second is a shorter 15 minutes (each way) As the area is renowned for its forestry heritage, most of the poles AT A GLANCE walk which is accessed from Leslie Road. are made from species such as pine that are found in abundance in the area. AT A GLANCE AT A GLANCE

• Spectacular views of the Te Waihou River and its crystal • Crazyman Pole, located on the corner of Logan Street - • River views and a mix of rural and urban landscapes clear water inspired by the Cook Islands, this work is well-loved for • Beautiful views of Lake Karapiro and a 400m boardwalk • The Blue Spring itself its quirky appearance around the edge of the lake • Rolling farmland and native bush along the trail with quiet • The Green Man pole, located on Leith Place, was a living • Wide, flat track shared by walkers and cyclists picnic spots along the way tree while being carved and represents peace and the beauty of nature ACCESS: Distance: ACCESS: Distance: ACCESS: Distance: This trail can be accessed at 70km (once completed) Whites Road or Leslie Full track - 4.7km one way The walking trail is Distance varies depending various points along the route sections open now: Road, Putaruru plus 0.5km loop track with accessible at any point on how many Talking Poles Hamilton 15.5kms, a shorter route to Blue along the route are visited Cambridge - Lake Spring via Leslie Rd Karapiro 15.2km For more information visit: For more information visit: For more information visit: www.te-awa.org.nz www.hamiltonwaikato.com/te-waihou-walkway www.talkingpoles.co.nz walks & hikes

Mangaokewa Scenic Reserve - Te Kuiti Mangapohue Natural Bridge - WAITOMO Otorohanga Kiwiana walk - Otorohanga The Mangaokewa Scenic Reserve is home to great hiking and A short drive from Waitomo Village towards is the Celebrating all things NZ, the Otorohanga Kiwiana Walk is great for walking trails along with areas for other recreational activities. Mangapohue Natural Bridge. Follow the boardwalk as it weaves families and offers an entertaining stroll through Otorohanga, the its way through the impressive limestone gorge bringing you ‘Kiwiana capital of New Zealand’. Providing a variety of more challenging tracks that form part of underneath the stunning natural bridge. the Te Araroa Trail, the Mangaokewa Scenic Reserve also offers The main street features a Kiwiana display gallery, murals and picnic areas and an easy walk to the Cascade Waterfalls. Areas for The natural bridge is a 17m high limestone arch; the remains of an sculptures, and even the public toilets are a light-hearted tribute to swimming, bird watching and other recreational activities are ancient cave system. Take an easy five minute stroll to the base of NZ's popular culture. also available. the natural bridge, or continue along the track for a 20 minute loop From the intricately carved totem poles in the town centre paying walk that takes in superb views of the natural bridge and gorge, Enjoy an easy one hour walk through native forests, over the swing tribute to the ancestors of the local Manaiapoto people, to a bronze stalactite-like formations, farmland and 25 million year old fossilised bridge and up river to a picturesque waterfall, or just take a picnic bowler hat on a greenstone and stone plinth, the walk offers insight oysters that are exposed in the limestone outcrops. and relax in the wide open spaces of the reserve. into New Zealand’s proud history and uniqueness. This easy walk is perfect for a weekend outing with family and Exhibitions within the gallery includes a tribute to Sir Edmund friends, and while you’re there why not experience one of the other Hillary, Weetbix, Marmite, rural life, pavlova, No.8 Wire, the Buzzy walks on offer in the area including the Marokopa Falls, Piripiri Cave AT A GLANCE Bee, All Blacks great Colin Meads and much more. and Opapaka Pa. AT A GLANCE AT A GLANCE

• View million year old fossils exposed in the limestone outcrops • Featuring all things Kiwiana from No.8 Wire to the • Stunning views of the 17m high limestone arch pavlova, Buzzy Bee and more • Take a picnic and enjoy the stunning waterfall and wide • Start the walk at dusk and wait for darkness to be open spaces • Snap a picture in front of the Kiwiana Wall on the treated a fantastic glowworm display along the banks southern end of town • Great place for bird watching and swimming in the clear (during dry weather) – Don’t forget a torch, loop track not waterways recommended during dark • Pick up a kids quiz sheet for along the walk from the i-SITE ACCESS: Distance: ACCESS: Distance: 5 minutes south of 7km loop 25km from Waitomo 20 minute Loop track, 5 ACCESS: Distance: Te Kuiti adjacent to Village on Te Anga Road minutes to base of bridge Via main street, 1km State Highway 30 Otorohanga For more information visit: For more information visit: For more information visit: www.hamiltonwaikato.com/mangaokewa-scenic-reserve www.doc.govt.nz www.otorohanga.co.nz walks & hikes

Wairere Falls - Matamata Pukemokemoke Reserve - Mt Te Aroha - Te Aroha The Wairere Falls is the highest waterfall in the and one The Pukemokemoke Bush Loop Track enjoys a rich diversity of Densely forested, Mt Te Aroha is a bird lover’s paradise, where of the most popular walking tracks in the region. native plant life, boasting over 300 natives including Matai, Totara, Kaka, Kokako, and Tui can often be seen and heard. Kauri, Kanuka and Kahikatea, great picnic spots and stunning The return walk to the viewing platform at the base of the Wairere The Mokena Mountain Track starts at the Mokena Geyser in Te views of the wider region. Falls takes about 1.5 hours. Small wooden bridges take you across Aroha Domain and quickly ascends to the Whakapipi Lookout. The the stream at several points, affording lovely views of little cascades The remnants of the old stopover pa can be found about half way lookout provides panoramic views over the Hauraki Plains. The and providing opportunities to cool tired feet in the refreshing water. up the track from the bridge, and deep trenches, food pits and hike to the lookout takes about 45 minutes, then from the lookout, other architectural elements can still be identified amongst the the track continues through a small saddle and then steeply up for More avid hikers can continue on to another lookout at the top of fauna that has now taken over the site. another two hours to reach the top. the falls, from where there is a breath-taking view back over the valley and the Waikato plains beyond. It is about two hours from the The lookout at the summit of the track provides stunning 360 From the summit there are 360 degree views across the Waikato base of the falls to the top lookout, so getting there and returning to degree views of the region, with the Hakarimata Ranges, Mt Te and Bay of Plenty regions, and Mt Ruapehu, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt your car will make this a rewarding full day hike. Aroha and more visible on a clear day. From the summit, the track Taranaki are all visible on a clear day. loops back down the mountain to the ‘log hauler’ site, a large Multi-day hikes are also available in the area on the Kaimai Ranges, clearing perfect for a family picnic in the sunshine. as well as plenty of shorter walks on and around Mt Te Aroha – AT A GLANCE AT A GLANCE including the popular Waiorongomai Valley. AT A GLANCE

• 153m two tier waterfall • Enjoy a relaxing soak in the silky waters after a long hike at the beautiful Te Aroha Mineral Spas • Over the summer there are plenty of pools to paddle in • Diversity of native plant life • Native bird life and the track can be explored further upriver • Picturesque views from summit • 360 degree views from the summit ACCESS: Distance: • Remnants of an old pa site Goodwin Road, off 5km to the top return via ACCESS: Distance: ACCESS: Distance: Old Te Aroha Road same track Te Aroha Domain Road, north 1 hour 30 minute loop 45 minutes one way to of Gordonton Whakapipi Lookout, 3 hours one way to summit For more information visit: For more information visit: For more information visit: www.doc.govt.nz www.hamiltonwaikato.com/pukemokemoke www.doc.govt.nz