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Huntly
12 km
9 hours
683 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you are looking for a true test of endurance that steers clear of the bustling tourist crowds, the northern end of the Hakarimata Summit Track is calling your name. Tucked away near the town of Huntly, this challenging out-and-back trail offers a rugged, deep-wilderness experience through some of the finest native forest in the Waikato region.
While many visitors flock to the famous southern staircase on Brownlee Avenue, the northern approach via Parker Road is a completely different beast. Spanning 12 kilometres with a demanding 683-metre elevation gain, this hike takes about 9 hours to complete. It is a full-day, technical tramp designed for those who love to get their boots muddy and their hearts pumping.
* Distance: 12km return * Duration: 9 hours * Elevation Gain: 683m * Difficulty: Hard * Track Type: Out and back
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Your adventure begins at the end of Parker Road, where you will immediately plunge into the cool, damp embrace of a spectacular ancient forest. The first section of the hike follows the Kauri Loop Track, a well-maintained path featuring gravel steps and undulating terrain. Here, you are treated to the magnificent sight of mature kauri trees standing like silent giant sentinels of the forest.
However, do not let this gentle introduction fool you. Once you pass the loop junction and push deeper onto the Hakarimata Summit Track, the trail transitions into a rugged, technical route. The manicured gravel gives way to a wilderness path characterized by exposed tree roots, uneven clay surfaces, and sustained, steep climbs.
As you navigate this challenging terrain, you will find yourself completely enclosed by a dense canopy of rimu, miro, mataī, tōtara, and tawa. The air is thick with the earthy scent of damp moss and fern fronds, and the only soundtrack is the rustle of leaves and the sweet chorus of native birds.
As you conquer the final, grueling ridges, the trail delivers you to the Hakarimata Summit tower, standing 374 metres above sea level. Clamber up the tower stairs, and your hard work is instantly rewarded. On a clear day, the 360-degree panoramic views are breathtaking, stretching across the vast, green checkerboard of the Waikato Plains, tracing the curves of the Waikato River, and reaching all the way to the snow-capped volcanic peaks of Mount Ruapehu in the far south.
A gravel car park is available at the end of Parker Road, off Hakarimata Road. This is the northernmost access point to the Hakarimata Scenic Reserve. Parking can fill up quickly during peak times, so an early start is recommended.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
7km away
A local favourite in Huntly, offering a wide variety of hearty, home-cooked meals, including traditional New Zealand dishes, seafood, and generous portions. Known for friendly service and great value.
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Out and back
After soaking in the vistas, you will turn around and retrace your steps. Keep your wits about you on the descent—those steep clay slopes and tangled roots require just as much concentration on the way down!
Due to the highly technical nature of the track, the sheer drop-offs, and the physical stamina required, this hike is not kid-friendly. Additionally, to protect the fragile native ecosystem and resident wildlife, dogs are strictly prohibited in the Hakarimata Scenic Reserve.
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The Ancient Kauri Grove: Located along the initial loop, these majestic trees are some of the oldest and largest remaining kauri* in the Waikato region. Walking beneath their sprawling crowns is a humbling experience. * The Summit Tower: This wooden viewing platform rises above the treeline at the 374-metre peak, providing uninterrupted, post-card-worthy views of the Waikato Basin. * A True Wilderness Experience: Unlike the heavily trafficked southern steps, the northern end feels like an authentic Kiwi backcountry tramp, where you can easily find moments of absolute solitude.
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To reach the trailhead, drive to Huntly and cross the Waikato River. Turn onto Hakarimata Road, then make a turn onto Parker Road. Drive to the very end of Parker Road, where you will find a gravel car park.
This is the northernmost access point to the Hakarimata Scenic Reserve. Because this car park is relatively small and shared with those doing the shorter Kauri Loop, it can fill up quickly on sunny weekends. We highly recommend arriving early in the morning to secure a spot and beat the heat of the day.
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The Hakarimata Range is a vital ecological sanctuary, meaning you are highly likely to share your hike with some of New Zealand’s most iconic native species.
Keep your eyes peeled and your ears open for the cheeky pīwakawaka (fantail), which will often flutter right alongside you to catch the insects kicked up by your boots. High in the canopy, you will easily spot the metallic-green plumage of the kererū (New Zealand woodpigeon) and hear the distinctive, heavy whoosh-whoosh of their wings. The melodic, bell-like calls of the tūī echo throughout the valleys year-round.
If you are hiking during the spring or summer months, listen out for the high-pitched, chirping whistle of the migratory pīpīwharauroa (shining cuckoo). If you are incredibly lucky, you might spot the rare kārearea (New Zealand falcon) soaring above the ridgelines, or spot the tiny, elusive pekapeka (long-tailed bat) flitting through the forest edge at dusk.
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* Best Seasons: The track is open year-round. Spring brings vibrant new growth and nesting birds, while Summer offers the dryest track conditions and longest daylight hours. Autumn provides cooler, crisp temperatures that are perfect for tackling the steep climbs. Winter is atmospheric and moody, but the track becomes exceptionally muddy and slippery. * Start Early: With a 9-hour walking time, you want to hit the trail no later than 8:00 AM to ensure you have plenty of daylight to navigate the technical sections safely. * Gear Up: Sturdy hiking boots with excellent grip are absolutely non-negotiable here. Leave your sneakers at home! * Pack Plenty of Water: There are no treated water sources along the ridge. Carry at least 2 to 3 litres of water per person, along with plenty of high-energy snacks. * Check the Weather: Wet weather makes the clay slopes and exposed roots incredibly slick. If it has rained heavily in the days leading up to your hike, prepare for a slow, muddy, and challenging slip-and-slide adventure.
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The Hakarimata Range holds immense cultural significance for local iwi (Māori tribes), particularly Waikato-Tainui. In Te Reo Māori, Hakarimata translates to "the mountain of the fat feast" or "the celebration of food." The name originates from a historical event in the 17th century when a grand feast featuring forest delicacies, native birds, and local produce was held here to celebrate a gathering of local tribes.
Today, the reserve is a crucial conservation area, acting as a green island of native biodiversity amidst an otherwise heavily developed agricultural landscape. When hiking, you will notice boot-cleaning stations at the entrance. Please use them thoroughly to help prevent the spread of Kauri Dieback disease, a devastating pathogen threatening these ancient forest giants.
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After 9 hours of strenuous tramping, you will have worked up a massive appetite. Fortunately, Huntly is just a short 7-kilometre drive away and offers some fantastic spots to refuel:
* The Bakehouse Cafe on Main St Huntly: If you want a classic Kiwi post-hike experience, head straight here. They are famous locally for their exceptionally flaky, piping-hot gourmet pies and friendly service. * Huntly Coffee Lounge: A wonderful local favourite offering robust coffee and a huge cabinet selection of hearty, home-cooked meals. Their generous portions of traditional New Zealand dishes are perfect for restoring your energy. * Essex Arms Huntly: If you prefer to celebrate your achievement with a cold pint and a hearty meal, this cosy pub offers an all-day menu featuring delicious steaks, a relaxed atmosphere, and live sports on the screens.
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Known for its acrobatic flight and fanned tail, the fantail often flits close to humans, catching insects disturbed by their movement.
Best time: Year-round
Chalcites lucidus
A migratory bird that travels from the Solomon Islands to New Zealand to breed, laying its eggs in the nests of grey warblers.
Best time: Spring-Summer
Falco novaeseelandiae
New Zealand's only endemic falcon, the Kārearea is a powerful and incredibly fast predator, often seen soaring above forested areas and tussock lands.
Best time: Year-round
Chalinolobus tuberculatus
One of New Zealand's two native bat species, an endangered forest dweller that hunts insects at night using echolocation.
Best time: Year-round
7km away
A premier hotel and restaurant experience in Huntly, offering an all-day menu with delicious steaks and a cosy atmosphere. Features a bar with live sports.
7km away
Renowned for its exceptional, flaky pies and warm hospitality, offering a range of savoury and sweet treats, and a relaxed dining experience.