Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Suggest edit Edit

Karakariki Track

Hamilton, Waikato

Submitted by Martin Carroll

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner - Intermediate

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Suggest edit Edit

Open More info

Grunt Factor: 9 ?

Gnarl Factor: 34 ?

5.0km

Length of run

200m

Total Ascent

200m

Total Descent

182m

Highest point

Driving Time

Driving Distance

Directions to start

Share your photos

Send to phone

View other trails

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

Estimated Times to Run

1:00

Slow

0:45

Moderate

0:30

Fast

GPX File

Topo Map

3D Satellite

Guide

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.

Transport and parking:

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

Distance from Hamilton:

22 km

Driving time from Hamilton:

25 minutes

Dog friendly:

Unknown

Landowner permission required:

Navigation Rating:

Moderate.

Navigation Tips:

The track is well marked with DoC orange triangles.

Cellphone Coverage:

Patchy.

Suggested Gear List:

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

Availability of Water:

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

Seasonality Issues:

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

Ben Kenny

has completed Karakariki Track once in the last year.

Learn about Trail Legends.

Fastest Known Times (FKTs)

Learn about Fastest Known Times.

View your Fastest Known Times

Missing your time?

You and Karakariki Track

As a VIP member you can record private notes for this trail, see all of your times and more.

Already have an account? Login now

Trail Reviews

Rob Holm

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

jace jones

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

Kirstine Collins

Nice short track. The first 1.5km is flat through a mix of farm and bush near the river, and over it a couple of times via swingbridge. This is a nice warmup for the steepish climb up. On the climb trail is narrower and quite rooty but easy to follow. The end is a fence and private property sign.

Kirstine Collins

August 15, 2020