Last Updated: 22nd Apr 2024
Hakarimata Traverse
Submitted by Jayne Tankersley
Last Updated: 22nd Apr 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 31 ?
Gnarl Factor: 71 ?
13.8km
920m
890m
381m
Last Updated: 22nd Apr 2024
Submitted by Jayne Tankersley
Last Updated: 22nd Apr 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 31 ?
Gnarl Factor: 71 ?
13.8km
920m
890m
381m
Front country - easily accessible
Point to Point (one way)
Very hilly
Native bush
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +12.6%
Average Downhill Gradient: -12.3%
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4:30
Slow
3:15
Moderate
2:00
Fast
You'll see the sign at the start of the track for the Hakarimata Trail to Parker Road. The first 1.5 kms is flat and a nice easy warm up through a track on grass fields, before turning right onto the track towards Parker Road, where you have another 1.5 kms of gentle climbing, on a well maintained track with steps.
At about 3km the terrain changes and becomes more technical, and there are some steep slopes to scramble up. At 4.5 kms you will join with the Hakarimata Summit Track (Huks steps) where it's a 100m or so to the summit. Take in the view at the viewing tower before heading off again. The track continues past the Helicopter Pad, but the entrance can be overgrown sometimes. This track is maintained at tramping track level so can be seriously overgrown sometimes, so keep an eye out for the orange markers and expect some stops while you navigate the terrain. It's rooty and sometimes very steep underfoot.
The track continues for about 8 kms on this route. Then you will meet up with the north end track, and descend the steps for the final 1.5 or so kms. Recommended to wear long pants or socks, and good trail shoes, as there is gorse and grass. Either return by road back to the carpark (11.5kms) or get picked up...or if you're hard as nails - go back the way you came!
This trail includes the peak Hakarimata.
If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.
2 km
3 minutes
No
No
Hard.
Some overgrown bits in the second half of the track will need patience to find the route.
Generally good.
Short-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone
No water on route
Very muddy after rain
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Nice bush for tramping through, and great views from the lookouts and the firebreak. I did it in reverse, started at Parker Rd and tackled the northern section first.. which started to feel like it would never end by the time we hit the lookout! But the southern section after that was good, it's always lovely.
Pretty tough and gnarly all through the northern bit, maybe not much fun if you want to go fast! But if you're up for a big day out and some slow going, and/or practice on some of the gnarlier Pirongia tracks first, then it's great!
August 19, 2024
Stairs are the best bit! Great burn and you can actually run for more than a minute or two! Very rooty frustrating middle section which is slow going. All jungle, no views whilst running.
February 6, 2023
SC
This track is seriously gnarly. Great fun and absolutely beautiful, but the middle 9km is pretty tough with about 40% roots, 40% mud and 20% relatively cruisey trial. Southern section seems to have had a lot of work recently with new metalled surface and lots of steps. The ridge makes for a good skyline from the highway so it's pretty satisfying having completed the traverse.
December 26, 2022
At first you curse the stairs. About five minutes later you long for those stairs. Immense amount of time must be spent avoiding an ankle injury. Beautiful beautiful native bush. Amazing view at the end.
January 24, 2021
These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.
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