Summit Track
Hakarimata Scenic Reserve, Ngaruawahia
3 Rankers Reviews
0 Face-to-Face
1 Huntly
Your Nature Guide
Marios Gavalas
Author And Researcher
Nau mai, haere mai
Nau mai, haere mai
I'm Marios, delivering the best of Aotearoa's nature walks to your device.
I've personally walked hundreds of New Zealand's tracks and spent months in libraries uncovering interesting information on New Zealand/Aotearoa. And you'll find a slice of that research on this page - enjoy!
Deep Nature
FREE MAP - The best of 21 nature guidebooks on one map.
Online Maps
Deep Nature NEW
Author Marios Gavalas, Rankers and hundreds of contributors bring you a free web map to help you get lost (and find yourself) in Aotearoa's nature.
Photos
Information
The Hakarimata Reserve now covers over 1800 hectares with kauri, rimu and tawa in the forest. This is the highest viewpoint around and beest done early or late, when the Waikato River glistens like a silver thread.
Access
There is a parking area at Brownlee Avenue, where there are also toilets.
Track
Follow the Water Works Walk and just before the dam head right.
There now begins the journey of a 1000 steps - more in fact - 1349 according to the DoC brochure. The steady climb is punctuated with occasional inspirational quotes. For example “sweat is just fat crying”.
Occasional peeps out are not as impressive as the summit. At 374m, it is not high, but commands extensive views over the Waikato to Maungatautari.
Polynesian History
The name Hakarimata was conferred when a huge feast was prepared for guests ‘hakari kai mata’.
The tomokanga was unveiled in 2016 as a joint venture between DoC, Waikato District Council, Ngaruawahia Community Board and Waikato Tainui. It was carved by Master Carver Inia Te Wiata and depicts important tribal stories and histories.
Details
| Feature | Value | Info |
|---|---|---|
|
Location |
North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Huntly |
|
|
Categories |
Reviews
Rocket
Ranking: 7/10
Awesome views from the top but lots of stairs and many people.
Avoid Camping Fines!
Each camping location is approved by a regional council in NZ. So if it shows on the map, you’re allowed to stay.
The Rankers Camping NZ app, is also in association with…
Lauren Freeman
Ranking: 10/10
requires good level of fitness but if you go just before sunset (take a headlight) on the way back down there’s sooo many glow worms it’s magic!!!
Camping NZ App
Every camping site on your iPhone™, iPad™ or Android™ phone or tablet. Avoid camping penalties using this council approved app. Featuring offline maps.
N smith
Ranking: 8/10
nice walk, but more of a climb, a very large amount of steps, great lookout point at top, can look over the waikato, firth of thames, coromandel ranges, out to the westcoat and even see mt Ruapehu on a very clear crisp day
DOC Managed
Thanks to all the good people working for the NZ Department of Conservation - for all your hard work - making NZ more beautiful, accessable and healthy! Cheers 😍
