11 October 2026
Showers, possibly heavy, clearing to fine spells in the afternoon. Periods of rain developing in the evening. Northwesterlies.
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1 / 4Hakarimata Scenic Reserve
Kauri Loop Track
This well formed track offers spectacular views, beautiful bush and one of the largest kauri trees in the Waikato.
Distance
2.8 km
Walking time
1.5 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 10 Oct 2026, 11:01 pm
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
Kauri Loop Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Kauri Loop Track
The track starts with a long flight of steps, to the track junction of the loop walk. Turning right, you walk past an old pā site (hidden by vegetation) through regenerating native bush to a large kauri tree. This is one of the largest kauri trees in the Waikato and estimated to be over a thousand years old. A few minutes further on the track passes through a grove of young kauri known as 'rickers'. Just past the rickers you reach a view point that looks out across the forest. From the view point, the track climbs steeply up many steps to a track junction. The track to the right leads to an excellent view point of Huntly and the north Waikato lakes. The track to the left follows steps down past nīkau palms to a lower lookout. This track then returns to the first junction and the start of the loop walk. Return down the steps to the car park.
Essential information for Kauri Loop Track
The No Entry sign on the Boot Cleaning Station is to clarify which lane on the boot cleaning station you should use, not to keep you off the track.
Kauri protection guide
Clean your footwear, tyres and equipment before and after visiting our kauri forests. If you are walking your dog, you should also make sure you clean their paws. Use cleaning stations every time you pass one while you are walking in a park. Stay on the tracks and keep off kauri roots. Stay away from closed tracks. Don't remove soil from, or bring soil into, areas with kauri trees.
Getting there for Kauri Loop Track
The track is 6.9 km south of Huntly and 11.2 km north of Ngaruawahia. It starts from the end of Parker Road, off Hakarimata Road which connects these two towns. The last few hundred metres to the parking area are gravel. Use this location on Google Maps to help 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 Kauri Loop Track
No dogs.
Before you walk Kauri Loop 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.