Walk Details

NZ Walking Routes > Waikato > Raglan > Karioi Summit tracks

Karioi Summit tracks

Location

Mt Karioi Track: Te Toto Gorge carpark on Whaanga Rd, near Raglan.

Wairake Track: carpark off Ruapuke Rd.

Description

Karioi is an ancient volcano and the views from the Mount Karioi (756 metres) summit are spectacular. On a fine day, you can see Mt Taranaki, Pureora, Maungamangero and Te Aroha. Closer at hand you can see all the local harbours as well as Mt Pirongia and Maungatautari. There are two tracks up to the summit of Karioi so you can do a crossing or a return trip either side. You will need to arrange your own transport if you do the crossing.

MT KARIOI TRACK
Times: Car park to lookout: 2 hr 30 min – 3 hr one way
Car park to summit: 3 hr – 3 hr 30 min one way

This track is the closest to Raglan and is the steeper but more interesting of the two options. Once over the stile at the start of the track it is uphill but there are plenty of good vantage points where you can stop and admire the view. After walking through an open grove of kanuka you walk up a grassy slope before gaining the main ridge. Chains and ladders have been installed to help you negotiate the occasional rocky outcrop. At the large rocky bluff, the track sidles around to the north for a short distance then climbs steeply back to the ridge. From there it is a 10-minute walk along to the lookout, signposted down a short side track. From the junction it is an hour to the summit along an undulating ridge. The vegetation along this ridge has been beautifully sculptured by the strong prevailing westerly winds.

WAIRAKE TRACK

Time: 2 – 3 hr one way

This is the shortest route to the summit. You drive to a car park off Ruapuke Road then it is a 40-minute walk across farmland to the bush edge. From there the track climbs steadily through native forest to the summit. It is not as steep as sections of the Mt Karioi track.

Remember, weather conditions can change rapidly, especially at higher altitudes. Always carry a change of clothing, wet weather gear and sufficient water and food.

Level

Hard

Amenities

• Birds
• Historical
• Lookouts
• Plant Life
• Toilets
• Tramping

Source

www.doc.govt.nz

Avg Rating

3 out of 5

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