Walk Details

NZ Walking Routes > Waikato > Te Awamutu > Nikau Walk - Pirongia Forest Park

Nikau Walk - Pirongia Forest Park

Location

The Park is near Hamilton and has many access points. Some access ways cross private land. To protect the Te Awamutu water supply, access is not encouraged in the Mangauika catchment.

Description

Pirongia Forest Park is known for its most widely recognised landmark, Mt Pirongia (959 metres). The Park consists of four separate blocks of land, including Mt Karioi, close to Raglan.

Start this easy walk at the Kaniwhaniwha carpark and follow the stream across farmland to a circular walk through beautiful native forest. Shortly after leaving the farmland, you will find a sidetrack leading to a picnic/campsite clearing with toilets. There are many opportunities for swimming and picnicking along the stream edge. This walk can be combined with the Kaniwhaniwha Caves adding 30 min to the walking time.

Walk along the Nikau walk to Kaniwhaniwha Caves then follow the Bell track to the tallest recorded kahikatea tree, a mighty 66.5 metres high.

Many of Pirongia’s tracks can be muddy, especially after rain. Weather conditions can change rapidly, especially at higher altitudes. Always carry a change of clothing, wet weather gear and sufficient food to cater for any emergency·

Easy to moderate walking from a few minutes to a day·
Track is mostly well formed, some sections may be steep, rough or muddy·
Suitable for people with low to moderate fitness and abilities·
Clearly sign posted.
Stream and river crossings are bridged·
Walking shoes or light tramping/hiking boots required.

Pirongia has three free campsites: in a grassy clearing 45 minutes into the Nikau Walk (with toilets), halfway along the Bell Track (no toilets), at Pahautea Hut, close to Mt Pirongia’s summit (with toilets). You can also stay in Pirongia Forest Park Lodge which is situated at the end of Grey Rd. It is a residential outdoor education facility available for hire. For further information and bookings, contact the manager on +64 7 871 9570.

Duration

2.5 hours

Level

Easy

Amenities

• Camping
• Carpark
• Fishing
• Historical
• Picnics
• Plant Life
• Swimming
• Toilets

Source

www.doc.govt.nz

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