11 October 2026
Showers, possibly heavy in the morning, clearing to fine early afternoon, but returning in the evening. Northwesterlies developing in the morning, dying out in the evening.
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1 / 24Hakarimata Scenic Reserve
Hakarimata Summit Track
Climb to the summit of Hakarimata (374 m) and enjoy good views for the summit tower out towards the coast, across the Waikato Basin and down to Ruapehu. This track is part of Te Araroa Trail.
Distance
3.7 km
Walking time
3 hr
Difficulty
Easy
Dogs
Not allowed
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
No active alerts found. Conditions can still change, so check again before leaving.
Weather outlook
Waikato forecast
Issued 11 Oct 2026, 5:43 am
12 October 2026
Occasional rain. Northwesterlies developing before dawn.
13 October 2026
A few showers. Northwesterlies.
14 October 2026
A few showers. Northwesterlies developing in the morning.
15 October 2026
A few showers, some possibly heavy. Northerlies, turning westerly.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Hakarimata Summit Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Hakarimata Summit Track
Follow the Waterworks Walk to just before the dam where the track branches off to the right and climbs steeply up a well constructed set of steps and stairs. Be careful on the narrower parts of the Waterworks Walk between the waterfall and the stairs. Look and listen out for falling rocks and don’t stop on these sections, especially in bad weather. It is a 335 metre climb from Brownlee Avenue to the summit with 1,349 steps. The track meets the Hakarimata Walkway and the summit tower at 374 metres above sea level. The tower provides good views out towards the coast and across the Waikato Basin and down to Ruapehu on a clear day.
Getting there for Hakarimata Summit Track
The Hakarimata Scenic Reserve is located 17 km north-west of Hamilton, near Ngaruawahia. Use this location in Google Maps to find your way there.
Helpful resources
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . We recommend trying these online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel
Dog access for Hakarimata Summit Track
No dogs.
Before you walk Hakarimata Summit Track
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.