Waikato walks doc

Last UpdatedMarch 5, 2024

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Arrange a permit to fly a drone over conservation land or near marine mammals. This trail is great for hiking and walking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Starts opposite the Waitomo Museum of Caves in the Waitomo Village, 16 km northwest (by road) of Te Kuiti. 6-mile out-and-back trail near Tuakau, Waikato. These are a small curated section of our best day hikes. Check out this 0. Starting at a farm gate, the track passes farmland as Dogs with a DOC permit only. Further on, Mahaukura Lookout (902 m) has further views south toward the King Country. 7 km return via same track. This walk also allows for dog walking (with a permit). Take the short track through tawa and nikau forest down to the viewing platform. Cover photo: Waterworks Walk to the Summit Track to Hakarimata Walkway in Hakarimata Range. Just 10 minutes’ drive from Matamata, the Wairere Falls is the highest waterfall in the North Island and a popular walking track in the Waikato. Mangakara Nature Walk (1 hr / 1. The Windows Walk boasts beautiful scenery and spectacular mining remnants. The walk starts from the Centre of the North Island Road and Carpark which is accessed using Link Starting on The Timber Trail from the Tui Road carpark, this alternative route to the summit of Mount Pureora heads up the northwest side of the mountain. Then take the Waikuku Track alongside the attractive Go to our online booking system and log in or create an account. Conservation emergencies (24/7 hotline): Call 0800 DOC HOT ( 0800 362 468 ). The trail crosses a boardwalk then winds its way through tall podocarps. Family Walks in the Waikato - Department of Conservation A real highlight of the Waitomo area, this spectacular loop walk takes you through a forested gorge, past natural sculpted cliffs and under low limestone arches. 00 am – 4. Top 11 favourite Waikato short walks. This may impact access to Hopuruahine landing Great Walk-end car park. It leads to the Pinnacles summit via the Pinnacles Hut (the largest Doc hut in the country) and offers a The track starts across the road from the Bryant Home Children’s Bible Camp. com This is one of the most popular overnight walks with epic sunset and sunrises but can be also done as a day walk. nz: Address: 5 Northway St Te Rapa Hamilton 3200 : Wairere Falls Track. Traversed by rough tramping routes and later by access tracks for the logging and gold mining industries, the Kaimai range now features over 360 km of walking and tramping tracks. DOC do not administer any alpine climbing tracks on Mt Ruapehu. Find walks near the Waitomo Caves highlights what to see and do. The trail follows Firewood Creek through an area being replanted to a picnic site with toilets. Other pets on conservation land rules. 3 (12) #4 - Waterworks Walk. It passes through a recently planted area, then follows along the stream to a loop walk, lush with nikau palms and tree ferns The Hakarimata Scenic Reserve is located 17 km north-west of Hamilton, near Ngaruawahia. (This replaces an old In winter and periods of heavy rain the rivers may be too deep to cross. The DOC Campsite Pass can be used at this campsite. The entrance to For the most up-to-date information about the track, please visit: www. There is no marked track to the summit. From SH30 It's accessible to people of most ages and fitness levels but is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. Or for those wanting to explore the ancient Waitomo cave systems there are a variety of walking and underground adventure tours available – check out the Waitomo activity operators here. Miro to see 122 more hikes in Waikato. 8 mi. Cross from Grey Road car park to Ruapane via the Mangakara Nature Walk and Link Track then follow the Tirohanga Track to the summit viewing tower. This is also the start of the southern section of the Hakarimata Walkway. The 1100 m former rail tunnel, which is well lit, leads from the end of this bridge and emerges at the Eastern Portal Bridge which takes you back over the Ohinemuri River. Located in the Waikato region. Drone use on conservation land. At the waterfall, a section of track has eroded below the Highlights. There is also a good view of all the local harbours as well as Waitomo Walkway corresponds to #2 on the map and finishes at the Ruakuri Scenic Reserve. 30 pm www. The track starts from the car park and follows a formed track up steps. 6. This is the steeper but more scenic of the two summit tracks to Mt Karioi. Easy • 4. The 35 m high falls are often described as the most beautiful in the country. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 19 min to complete. This is the easier circuit rather than doing it the other way round via Mahaukura then Tirohanga. 5 km return) This walk is well suited to family outings. The track is well maintained with light gravel surface. It provides a self-guided trail through attractive native forest, with fine examples of rimu, kahikatea, tawa, pukatea and kohekohe. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 33 min to complete. Starting at Karangahake Hall, walk through the foundations of the Crown Battery before climbing up onto the Western Portal Bridge over the river. Waikato, North Island. 1. It passes through pine forest before entering bush. No matter where you are, or how long you've got, there's a walk for everyone. The track starts at the end of Gully Road, behind Pureora Forest Park Lodge. This track is an old farm road and is of an easy gradient. +64 7 870 5180. A well graded and stepped walking track takes you down to a viewing platform that looks out to this magnificent tiered waterfall. Numbers correspond to posts on the walk and to the map included in the factsheet above. Commercial operators. Access is from the park shelter at the end of Grey Road. Keep to the tracks to prevent the spread of chytrid fungus that affects the endangered Archey's frog. For your safety, every effort has been made to ensure this information is correct. From here, a short walk leads to attractive stream cascades. This gentle loop walking track winds its way over tree roots and passes many boulders along the way as well as a gnarly old tree and towering kahikatea laden with epiphytes. Several lookout points, water features, and a children’s playground make this walk perfect for young families. Select a DOC track to get the latest conditions and build your own plan with the Mountain Safety Council to share with others. From the car park at the end of Leitch Road, follow the track into Whareorino forest. Dogs with a DOC permit only. Waikato alerts. Generally considered a challenging route. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. A steady climb from Corcoran Road along the Tirohanga Track leads to Ruapane Trig. The Mangakara Nature Walk in Pirongia Forest Park about one hour to complete. See the www. Day hikes gear list. Te Kuiti 3941. Fax: +64 4 471 1117. See full list on alltrails. Tongariro National Park. The best times to visit this trail are December EMAIL: waikato@doc. On Omaru Road, clearly signposted from SH4. Pack everything on the day hike packing list, including a waterproof raincoat, warm clothes and spare food. On a clear day, enjoy views across Lake Taupo, the Mamaku Ranges, Mount Taranaki and Mount Ruapehu from the summit of Mount Pureora. It's a lovely short forest walk alongside a stream, to an old dam. Select 'passes' from the menu at the top of the page. However you should contact the local DOC visitor centre or office for the Karangahake Windows Walk. This is a very popular area for hiking and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The beach at the end of the trail offers beautiful views, making the walk worthwhile. Phone. Walking and tramping. The Mahaukura Track starts at the Grey Road car park and This walk can be combined with the Kaniwhaniwha Caves adding 30 minutes to the walking time. Illegal poisons were found around this track in 2020 and dog permits were suspended. Pest control programmes undertaken by DOC and the community are in place to help save these and other vulnerable species, including wildlife. From here, the track descends steeply down stairs to a The trail begins in the picturesque Pikiariki Ecological Area, about 200 m from the DOC Pureora Field Base on Barryville Road (be sure to head left inside the entrance way, or you will end up on the Totara Walk which is for walkers only). Bookings for all tracks are open for the 2024/25 season. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. DOC rangers in Dogs with a DOC permit only. Address: 78 Taupiri Street. It is a great place to enjoy a walk or tramp through native bush, including kauri, in close proximity to Hamilton. Location: Ruapane Track starts at the Waite Road car park. Address. Tirohanga Track: 1 hour one way. West of Barryville, turn off SH30 onto Waitaramoa Road, then into Gully Road. This trail is great for hiking, running, and walking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. From the carpark at Te Kauri Lodge, carefully cross the road, SH31, to the Manuka Track and descend down track and steps to the swingbridge. Arataki Track. The Waterworks Walk is located near Ngaruawahia in the Waikato region. Length: 8. nz: Address: 5 Northway St Te Rapa Hamilton 3200 : Find out about changes in conservation areas that might affect the safety or enjoyment of your trip. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 24 min to complete. nz. Call 111 for all fire, search and rescue and threats to life emergencies. This summary is AI-generated. Email. The return hike to the viewing platform at the base of the Wairere falls takes about an hour and a half. There are three access points to the reserve: off Waingaro Road to the south, from Brownlee Wairere Falls, drops 154 m in a spectacular display. But be alert for falling Short walks Windows Walk 1 hr 30 min, 2. Today, the Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park covers an area of approximately 37,000 ha and features over 350 km of walking and tramping tracks, including the Kaimai Heritage Trail, Follow a stream through beautiful native forest with swimming and picnicking opportunities. Lake Taupo. Report site damage and upload a photo on our online form. #3 - the Waitomo Caves car park walk is a 5 min walk that starts as part of the Waitomo Walkway. Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari (Maungatautari Ecological Island Reserve) is the largest ecological ‘island’ on mainland New Zealand. The track starts from the Kaniwhaniwha car park. Located in Piopio area in the Waikato region. Contacts Te Kuiti Office Plan my walk app. Email: waikato@doc. The track then climbs to a viewpoint which looks out on the forest and Mount Pureora. A short walk takes you up through native bush and past some limestone outcrops, and then descends a short stair case to the cave entrance. This is one of the most popular overnight walks with epic sunsets and sunrises, but it can also be done as a day walk. Lowland podocarp trees of totara, rimu and kahikatea give way to broadleaf dominated forest Range formed a barrier between the Bay of Plenty and Waikato regions to early Māori inhabitants and European settlers. These day hikes are perfect for compact adventures with friends. nz or from the Department of Conservation’s Maniapoto Area Office in Taupiri Street, Te Kuiti. However you should contact the local DOC visitor centre or office for the latest updates. Large round boulders form natural pools and cascading waterfalls. Places to go. It's a well maintained track with bridges across all waterways and a boardwalk towards the summit. This walk showcases excellent examples of large canopy trees, understory, ground plants, lichens, ferns, orchids and epiphytes. Check the weather forecast before walking this track. Put a torch plus extra batteries in your bag – these are very helpful for if the walk takes longer than you expect and it starts to get dark. . Explore the Kaniwhaniwha Caves, waikato@doc. Visitor information and bookings: View parks and recreation for alerts and information on tracks, huts, campsites and hunting. Head out on this 3. View saved (0) This track starts with a suspension bridge crossing over the Mangakino stream. This track is great for children. A platform at the bottom Port Waikato Dunes Walk. This 7,000 ha mosaic of swamps, fens and peat bogs makes up the Whangamarino Wetland. It is an attractive easy walk through native forest following the Pakoka River to the top of the Waireinga/Bridal Veil Falls. Length: 1. At the waterfall, a section of track has eroded below the This loop walk follows the Kakaho Stream through dense rimu forest, crossing bridges and walking amongst tall rimu with abundant birdlife. A further 11km along Mangaotaki Road, the Waitanguru Falls Walk is an easy short trail down to a viewing platform looking out to the stunning waterfall. The Kaimai lookout over the Waikato plains is two hundred metres down the road. taurangainfo@doc. DOC offices. 6-mile loop trail near Paeroa, Waikato. Walk past an old pa site (hidden by vegetation) through regenerating native bush to a large kauri tree, estimated to be over a thousand years old. It passes through a recently planted area, then follows along the stream to a loop walk, lush with nikau palms and tree ferns Yarndleys Bush Walk. The track follows the stream and then winds up around a network of limestone bluffs and outcrops before descending down to the Ruakuri Natural Bridge viewing platform. nz: Address: 5 Northway St Te Rapa Hamilton 3200 : Waterworks Walk. Seats are located around the walk. A good alternate to summiting Mt Ruapehu is the Skyline Walk located within the Whakapapa Ski Area. Important: At Waitangaru Falls, a section An easy, pushchair-friendly walk that starts as part of Waitomo Walkway and then continues left along the banks of the Waitomo Stream to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves car park. 8-mile loop trail near Ohaupo, Waikato. 3 mi • Est. This short walk takes in the Whangamarino Redoubt and Te Teoteo's Pā – two key sites of conflict during the Waikato War of 1863-64. Hamilton & Waikato Tourism recommend checking with the Department of Conservation before taking This short Waikato Walk is a great family outing, just minutes out of the rural town of Piopio. Hidden in the middle of Cambridge, Lake Te Koutu provides a scenic and relaxing, easy walking trail in Waikato. Hamilton This track is a long day walk (6 hours, 12km return). How to hunt safely, rules for hunting on public conservation land, hunting with dogs, overseas hunters, and hunting gear lists. In 1946 Pureora Forest was one of the last native forests to be opened up for logging. Enjoying the outdoors can be inexpensive, healthy and fun, with many walking tracks suitable for families to explore native bush, climb a hill, visit a lake or wetland or enjoy coastal views within a 1 hr 30 min drive from Hamilton. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 5 min to complete. Take a break in the outdoors and get in touch with nature. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 45 min to complete. Photo: Derek Ba Back photo: Hakarimata summit lookout. Top trails (219) Hard • 4. From the car park there is a walking track to the summit. Family walks in the Waikato brochure (PDF, 3,360K) Find things to do and places to stay Waitomo area Piripiri Cave is one of the few free caves open to the general public in the area. The track is an easy gradient with an all-weather surface. Walking from the car park to the first bridge you pass a wetland restoration site which is part of Perry Quarry. Combine this walk with Mangapohue Natural Bridge Walk and Whangamarino Wetland. View saved (0) Pureora Forest Park straddles the Hauhungaroa and Rangitoto ranges west of Lake Taupō and east of Te Kuiti. Hopuruahine road is not currently suitable for 2WD vehicles. It's a former surveyed road and is well graded. 5 km (round trip) See the very best Karangahake has to offer. Tirohanga Track. The Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk can be accessed from either end – Onepoto or Hopuruahine landing. This track has marker poles. 8 km from the junction with The Timber Trail. 4-mile loop trail near Paeroa, Waikato. The track veers right and drops down past the Waikawau Track junction before taking you to Walk alongside the attractive Waikuku Stream then climb up to good views of the surrounding countryside. The track starts at the northern end of the gravelled carpark opposite the fresh water spring. Two tracks lead to Ruapane Trig (723 m) with excellent view across the Waikato Basin to the Kaimai Ranges. Wairere Falls Track weaves its way through moss covered rocks and tree roots. Explore this 5. Here the Marokopa River cascades over the undercut greywacke basement rock. This is a very popular area for hiking, running, and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Discover this 9. 7 (677) #1 - Kauaeranga Kauri Trail (Pinnacles Track) Coromandel Forest Park. Contact a DOC visitor centre for advice on your visit to New Zealand's conservation areas. Find out about changes that might affect the safety or enjoyment of your trip into conservation areas in Waikato. This campsite on the western shores of Waikato River is perfect for swimming, picnicking, fishing and water sports. 0800 275 362. Track category: Walking track Time: 1 hr one way Distance: 2 km. The track continues on an easy grade for 20 minutes before descending to the Rapurapu Stream, which it crosses eight times before reaching the kauri grove. The track starts at the gate and follows the mown pathway and Po markers through regenerating native bush of tree ferns, mahoe, mapou, hangehange and other shrubs To and from Great Walk. It's 1. A haven for native wildlife and plants such as kiwi, kokako (wattlebird), tuatara and more, Maungatautari also provides great walking and hiking tracks. 5 reviews. Enjoy waterfalls, coastal forest and open farmland on walks in the Raglan area. Te Kuiti 3910. It leads to the Pinnacles summit via the Pinnacles Hut ( the largest Doc hut in the country) and offers a stunning 360-degree view of the Coromandel Peninsula. Located in Pureora Forest Park in the Waikato region. This walk features an information trail with signage to help you enjoy a memorable trip. They provide unique places to stay, refuge from bad weather, or rest and recover when you're out exploring the outdoors. There's a cleaning station at the start of the track for you to clean your shoes to stop the spread of kauri dieback. Omaru Falls Walk. Contact closest DOC office to get a permit. The walk can be done via the Tirohanga Track or the Ruapane Track and includes stairs, some steep sections and a short climb up a rocky outcrop near the top. Return via Mahaukura Track to Grey Road. Hikers of the Waitaia Bay Walk in Whitianga, Waikato, New Zealand have recently reported limited parking at the start point. Follow a stream through beautiful native forest with swimming and picnicking opportunities. These two tracks lead to Wharauroa Lookout (850 m) with one of the best views from Mount Pirongia of Hamilton, Te Awamutu and the surrounding landscape. nz Contact Waikato Office for information about community restoration initiatives. Points of interest along the walk are marked with numbered posts and informative signs. View saved (0) A gentle 30 min walk through bush and over farmland to the beautiful Omaru Falls. 6 minutes. Choose your preferred pass and enter the date you first want to use the pass on. Search all our day walks and tramps . 85 km return via same track. Postal Address: PO Box 20025 Te Rapa Hamilton 3241. From the car park, walk along the gradually climbing track until you reach the Herangi Ridge. 6-mile loop trail near Pirongia, Waikato. Image: Andris Apse | ©. It takes you through regenerating coastal forest leads to a seat and to a water intake - the supply for Bryant Home. Explore this 1. See Whakapa Ski Area's self-guided and marked short walks. 4. You'll get to see an abundant of birdlife towards the base of Mt Titiraupenga. View from Mt Heale Hut, on Great Barrier Island Aotea. It can be walked in either direction. waikato@doc. Parks & recreation. You can walk through the 20 metre long main cave, but note there is a short hands-and-knees crawl. The track descends from the car park Hike through lush native bush and ancient forests, climb volcanic slopes, walk past glaciers, lakes and along rugged coastlines. About DOC huts. Mangakara Nature Walk interpretation. Magnificent views of the surrounding Waipa-Waikato landscape and fascinating panels with historical and geological information reward your efforts at the summit. To early Māori inhabitants and later Europeans, the Kaimai mountain range formed a barrier between the Bay of Plenty and Waikato regions. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. This is the shortest route to the top of Mount Pureora. Track guide. Grey warblers, fantails, tomtits, pipits, harriers, kingfishers, New Zealand falcons, kererū, tūī, bellbirds and whiteheads can still be seen, although kiwi and kōkako have disappeared from the area. Stroll in bush and forest reserves, through wetlands and areas of natural beauty. Explore more of New Zealand: Browse the best Hikes in other regions. Located in Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park in the Bay of Plenty region. Walk to the historically significant sites of Whangamarino Redoubt, Meremere Redoubt and Te Teoteo’s Pā. Mining heritage This walk passes through native bush alongside the Mangarata Stream on the way to an old dam. The track follows an historic water-race that in 1924 powered a generator providing electricity for the Feb 10, 2019 · Karangahake Mountain Track Loop. Tirohanga Track starts from Corcoran Road. From the cairn, you can continue up the Mount Titiraupenga Track - a four hr return walk. DOC manages a network of over 950 huts of all shapes and sizes. The falls are accessed via a 5 km forest walk. nz: Address: 5 Northway St Te Rapa Hamilton 3200 : Postal Address: PO Box 20025 Stay in a hut. Find out who to contact at DOC and how to give us feedback. Discover the mighty Waikato River where suspension bridges, hydro dams and scenic landscapes invite visitors outdoors. nz Open Mon to Fri 8. Descending from the viewpoint, the track emerges further along Kakaho Road, not far from the campsite. govt. On a fine day you can see as far south as Mt Taranaki, the Herangi Range and Pureora. The second smaller cave is tight and narrow. 35m. Find businesses that are DOC-approved to provide activities and services in conservation areas. The trail may be slippery with mud after rain, with clay on the track. 4-mile out-and-back trail near Te Aroha, Waikato. Distance: Ruapane Track:1 hour 30 mins one way. Tell us about your visit. The two viewing platforms at the top of the falls provide spectacular views of the falls and surrounding countryside. Postal Address: PO Box 38. Campsite Pass Phone number. The track leaves from a carpark on the Waikato side of the Kaimai range on SH29. doc. Write review. Once payment is completed via the secured online payment portal, the pass will be linked to your DOC account. The cave is wet underfoot and torches are required. Family walks in the Waikato — an introduction Enjoying the outdoors can be inexpensive, healthy and fun, with many walking tracks suitable for families to explore native bush, climb a hill, visit a lake or wetland or enjoy coastal views within a 1 hr 30 min drive from Hamilton. Tracks can vary from easy walks to more strenuous exercise— The walk is accessible to people of most ages and fitness levels but is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. Please Note: Many of the walking trails in the Waikato region do not allow dogs. The walk to the lookout is the first part of the Pirongia summit via Hihikiwi Track. Coromandel Range. nz for more information on each of the trails. Full office details. Stay in a hut. 9 km one way. Hopuruahine is about half an hour's drive from Te Karetu. It's 11 km Dogs with a DOC permit only. Choose one of the walking and mountain biking tracks within the park and discover historic relics while enjoying the beautiful scenery. A few minutes further on, and past the site of a large kauri that fell in 2009, the track passes through a grove of young kauri (rickers) to a viewpoint that looks out across the forest. 11. Waiomu Ecological Area. Karioi is an ancient volcano and the views from the summit are spectacular. Family walks in the Waikato. Tumunui Bush. Take a torch for mine tunnel exploration. All ski area operations are managed by Whakapapa Ski Area. Up-to-date information on these walks can be obtained at www. This is the start date for the pass. Enjoy coastal scenery and glaciers or explore remote rivers and mountains on the West Coast. Last updated: Mount Pirongia Forest Park. The walk is accessible people of most ages and fitness levels but is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. View saved (0) This is an east-west crossing of the Kaimai Ranges used since the 1890s linking Katikati and Te Aroha. New Zealand's Great Walks are premier tracks that pass through diverse and spectacular scenery. The two limestone caves are near the start of Bell Track, 5 minutes from the junction with Nikau Walk. There are numbered posts at points of interest along the walk and this factsheet describes special The two limestone caves are near the start of Bell Track, 5 minutes from the junction with Nikau Walk. Photo: Jack Garland Enjoying the Piripiri Cave offers the chance to soak in the majesty of a cave in one of the few free caves open to the general public in the area. Address: 5 Northway St Te Rapa Hamilton 3200. zz vi ud zh hk mr ma wn hg ej