Hakarimata Summit Track
About 1,349 steps climb straight to a summit lookout tower overlooking the Waikato plain, making it a favorite fitness hike among Hamilton locals.
The Hakarimata Range lies about 20 km north of Hamilton, near Ngāruawāhia. The summit track starts from the Brownlee Avenue car park on the edge of town and climbs about 1,349 wooden steps through native forest, gaining roughly 350 m in elevation. The one-way hike takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. At the top, a lookout tower offers views over the Waikato River, Hamilton city and the distant Mount Pirongia. The northern section of the range also retains ancient kauri forest. Entry is free. Note that the steps are steep and physically demanding, so bring plenty of water. Ngāruawāhia is also the centre of the Māori King Movement, and the Tūrangawaewae Marae in town is usually closed to the public.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Hamilton Zoo
- Zealong Tea Estate
- Hamilton Lake Domain (Lake Rotoroa)
- Waikato River Paths & Te Awa River Ride
- Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato
- Hamilton Gardens
- Mount Pirongia
- Cambridge