Last Updated: 21st Sep 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Karakariki Track

Hamilton, Waikato

Submitted by Martin Carroll

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2024

Beginner - Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Grunt Factor: 9 ?

Gnarl Factor: 34 ?

5.0km

200m

200m

182m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Out and Back

Undulating, small hills only

Native bush

Riverside

Run Makeup

40%
60%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +8.8%

Average Downhill Gradient: -8.8%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

1:00

Slow

0:45

Moderate

0:30

Fast

A nice 5km out and back run. The first km is easy and flat but past that point the track gets more technical with one short but very steep section leading to a beautiful run through native bush.

Waterfall and picnic area 1km from the start of the track.

Nearest would be the cafe or pub in Whatawhata, 10 mins drive.

There is a small angle parking area at the end of Karakariki Valley Road.

22 km

25 minutes

No

No

Moderate.

The track is well marked with DoC orange triangles.

Patchy.

Long-sleeved thermal top, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

No available drinking water but the track does border a stream for the first km.

The first km of the track to the waterfall is flat and very easy going. Past the waterfall is more technical with steep sections and uneven ground.

Trail Legend

LM

Lynette McGaughran

has completed Karakariki Track twice in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

I visited in mid-September and the first 1.5km was extremely muddy to the point of being not especially runnable. After crossing the little stream the track climbs steeply in the bush before climbing at a lesser gradient which is runnable and was my favourite part of the track (in both directions) then climbs more steeply again to the trail end. Would run it again but in a dryer season.

Lynette McGaughran

September 21

Nice little track not far out of Hamilton, and the waterfall is a nice spot for a family walk & splash in the summer. First time I missed a marker and ended up wandering a boring farm track (so have added a picture of the super obvious markers) somehow, and was underwhelmed.. but the correct track from there up through the bush is great! I stopped 500m or so short of the end so have to go back, although sounds like I didn't miss anything much.

Angela Buchanan

August 22

Nice track, but the lack of a rewarding view (while known about) is a disappointment - the waterfall is more like a big rapid. Would do it again though.

Rob Holm

August 28, 2022

Nice short track. The highlight is at the start of the track. It ends at a fence with no view, so I'd recommend closing your eyes in the beginning, then run the track out and back. See the mediocre waterfall for the first time, then when you finish at the start you can have a lovely picnic by yourself or with a friend, if you brought one of those.

jace jones

August 16, 2022

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