Karioi Traverse

Once over the stile at the start of the track, it’s all up hill, but there are plenty of good vantage points to stop, catch your breath and admire the view. After passing through a grove of kānuka, the track climbs up a grassy slope before reaching the main ridge. Chains and ladders have been installed to help negotiate the occasional rocky outcrop.

At a large rocky bluff the track sidles around to the north for a short distance then climbs steadily to the ridge. At this point, a short side track takes you to a lookout providing good views across Raglan Harbour.

Back on the main track continue to the summit of Mount Karioi (756 m) along an undulating ridge. The vegetation along the ridge has been sculptured by the strong prevailing westerly wind. The forest changes from kohekohe at lower altitudes to tawa forest, to kamahi and tāwheowheo towards the top. Other species of note include miro, toro, horopito and Dracophyllum traversii.

Continue across the summit and descend steadily on the Wairake Track through coastal forest until you reach farmland. Continue to follow the orange markers across the private farmland (daylight hours only) until you reach the Wairake Track trailhead on Karioi Road.

You will need to arrange transport back to your vehicle, or turn around and retrace your steps back across the mountain.