Hakarimata Summit Hiking Track — Attraction in North Island

Hakarimata Summit Track, Ngāruawāhia

The Hakarimata Summit Track offers a rewarding yet challenging experience for hikers and fitness enthusiasts alike.​

Access & Parking: Starting from Brownlee Avenue, the track begins with the Waterworks Walk. Note that parking is limited, and the area can become quite busy, especially during peak times. Arriving early is advisable to secure a spot.​

Trail Experience: The initial section of the trail passes by the water treatment plant on the right. Soon after, the ascent begins with a well-constructed series of steps—approximately 1,349 in total—leading up to the summit at 374 meters above sea level. The track is enveloped by lush native bush, providing ample shade but also resulting in high humidity levels. Some sections of the stairs remain damp due to limited sunlight, making them slippery; caution is advised. Additionally, parts of the path may have standing water, so appropriate footwear is recommended.​

Atmosphere: The trail is popular among locals and visitors, with many using it for jogging or fitness training. Despite the crowd, the natural surroundings offer a serene environment, with the sounds of native birds and the occasional glimpse of small waterfalls enhancing the experience.​

Summit & Views: While I didn't reach the summit on this visit, the viewing platform at the top is reputed to offer expansive views across the Waikato Basin and towards Mount Ruapehu on clear days. The effort to reach the top is said to be well worth it for the panoramic scenery.​

Facilities: There are restrooms available at the car park, and the trail is well-maintained by the Department of Conservation. However, no dogs are allowed on the track to protect the native wildlife.​

Conclusion: The Hakarimata Summit Track is a challenging yet fulfilling hike that offers both physical exertion and natural beauty. It's an excellent option for those looking to combine fitness with the opportunity to enjoy New Zealand's native bush. Just be prepared for the crowds...

A tough but do-able trail. If you have little kids, or are of lower fitness levels, a roughly 2km walk will take you to the waterfall and reservoir with a few flights of stairs, some small bridge crossings and a couple of moderate but short hill climbs. The track is well formed and very easy to follow, but gets a bit wet (not really muddy) in places with some low falls/rapids on the river. The first proper waterfall is at about 800m from the start and is small, but strong and very pretty. Go a couple of hundred metres and a couple of flights of stairs further to the main waterfall, which is worth it.

For stronger, fitter people continue up the stairs for about another km to reach the summit and lookout. The views are amazing on a clear day and the sweat (you will sweat, no matter what your fitness level!) is worth it. If you're not very fit, stop a few times along the way or take a seat on the bench exactly half way up the stairs to enjoy the view. At the top is a fire lookout and heli-pad. From here go back the way you came, or pick the hiking trail to go on another 12 or so I'm to get back to the road and either walk about 7km back to the car park along the road or have someone pick you up.

Alternatively, if you go back the way you came, there is a challenging loop track which you will join at the top of the stairs for a...

I went up the Summit Track. Beautiful hike but you'll want the glutes and quads to march up those stairs. This section of trail is very well maintained. It's not particularly wide and it's an out-and-back trail. Try to be considerate of the two way traffic, the runners will really appreciate that.

There's a sign and a spot to sit down at the halfway point. Nice view from here.

It was cloudy at the top with zero visibility, check the weather before you head up if you're looking for that killer view.

On my way back I decided to follow the Walkway Trail from the summit to Waingaro Road. This is the southern leg of the Walkway. It's an intermediate trail so don't expect the gravel path of the Summit trail. There are not really any grand views but I enjoyed the hike. just the sounds of nature until you get closer to the road. At the end there is a nice cascading waterfall and a bathroom five minutes past that. It's an easy flat walk all the way back to the Hakarimata Scenic Reserve...