Wairake Track (Mt Karioi)

Out and back

Once you clear the canopy, you will step out onto the summit ridge. The highest point is marked by a large concrete helipad. As you step onto it, the physical effort of the last two hours instantly evaporates, replaced by a profound sense of awe as the magnificent west coast of the North Island unfolds in a glorious 360-degree panorama.

---

Highlights & Must-See Features

• The Summit Helipad: Standing on this concrete platform feels like standing on the edge of the world. On a clear day, the views are absolutely mind-blowing. You can trace the intricate contours of both the Raglan and Aotea Harbours, watch the white foam of the Tasman Sea crashing against the coast, and look south to spot the snow-capped peak of Mount Taranaki floating on the horizon.
• The Forest Transition: The contrast between the open, wind-swept pastures of the starting farmland and the humid, ancient embrace of the native coastal forest is incredibly beautiful.
• The Ladder Climbs: Navigating the steep ladders near the summit is a major highlight for adventurous hikers, offering a fun, slightly vertiginous challenge that makes reaching the top feel like a true mountaineering feat.

---

Getting There

To get to the trailhead from the Raglan township, take Wainui Road past the surf beaches and turn left onto Ruapuke Road. Follow this gravel road for a scenic drive through the countryside before turning onto Karioi Road.

Drive to the very end of Karioi Road, where you will find the trailhead. There is dedicated parking available on the left-hand side of the road. At the car park, you will also find a basic long-drop toilet facility. Keep in mind there is no treated drinking water available here, so you will need to arrive fully prepared.

---

Wildlife Spotting

The dense forest of Mount Karioi is teeming with native birdlife, making this hike a treat for the ears as well as the eyes. As you climb through the canopy, keep your ears open for the beautiful, bell-like notes of the tūī and the soft, repetitive call of the riroriro (grey warbler).

You are also highly likely to spot piwakawaka (fantails) flitting enthusiastically around your head. These friendly little birds love to follow hikers, snatching up the tiny insects kicked up by your muddy boots. High in the branches of the kohekohe and rewarewa trees, look out for the heavy silhouette of the kererū (New Zealand wood pigeon), often announced by the distinct, heavy whoosh-whoosh of their wings as they fly from branch to branch.

If you are hiking in the late afternoon, you might hear the iconic double-hoot of the ruru (morepork) beginning to wake up. Most incredibly, the mountain is a nesting ground for the rare ōi (grey-faced petrel). These ocean-going seabirds return to the forested slopes of Karioi between June and March to breed in underground burrows—a rare and special ecological connection between the land and the sea.

---

Seasonal Magic & Practical Tips

• Summer offers the best chance of clear blue skies and dry tracks, but the coastal sun can be scorching. Because there are no water sources along the ridge, carrying a minimum of 2 litres of water per person is essential.
• Winter and Spring bring dramatic misty atmospheres, but also a lot of mud. The clay tracks can become incredibly slick, so sturdy hiking boots with excellent grip are a absolute must.

An Important Note on Safety: This track is rated as hard for a reason. Because of the steep drops, muddy scrambles, and vertical ladders, this trail is not kid-friendly. To protect the nesting ōi population and respect the working farm at the base, dogs are strictly prohibited.

For those looking for an epic full-day traverse, you can hike up the Wairake Track and head down the longer Mt Karioi Track to Te Toto Gorge on the other side. This requires arranging a car drop or transport at the other end, but it is one of the finest mountain traverses in the region.

---

Local & Regional Context

Mount Karioi holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for the local tangata whenua (people of the land), Tainui Awhiro. In Māori mythology, Karioi was a jilted princess who, after experiencing heartbreak, lay down on her back and fell into an eternal sleep. When viewed from the ocean or from the north, the mountain’s distinct profile looks exactly like a reclining woman, earning Karioi its affectionate local nickname: "The Sleeping Lady."

Geologically, this peak is the oldest of a line of extinct volcanoes in the Waikato, including Mount Pirongia and Kakepuku. Today, Karioi is the focus of intense local conservation efforts. The Karioi Project, a community-led initiative, works tirelessly to control predators on the mountain, ensuring that native birds like the ōi can nest safely on the forest floor once again.

---

After the Walk

After tackling 526 metres of pure vertical gain, your legs will be tired, and you will have worked up a massive appetite. Fortunately, Raglan is world-famous for its laid-back cafe culture and delicious eats.

On your way back into town, make a pit stop at Rock-It Kitchen. Housed in a beautifully restored barn on Wainui Road, it features a massive, sunny lawn and serves up sensational, hearty meals alongside great local beers and outstanding coffee.

If you make it all the way back into the heart of the village, head straight to The Shack. It is a local institution, famous for its bustling atmosphere, friendly service, and a cabinet packed with wholesome, house-made treats that are perfect for replenishing those burnt calories. Grab an outdoor table, soak in the salty sea breeze, and toast to an unforgettable day on the wild slopes of Karioi.