Last Updated: 21st Sep 2024
Karakariki Track
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2024
Grunt Factor: 9 ?
Gnarl Factor: 34 ?
5.0km
200m
200m
182m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2024
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2024
Grunt Factor: 9 ?
Gnarl Factor: 34 ?
5.0km
200m
200m
182m
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Undulating, small hills only
Native bush
Riverside
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +8.8%
Average Downhill Gradient: -8.8%
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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.
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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.
September 21, 2024
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.
August 22, 2024
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.
August 16, 2022
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