My Favourite Walks in the Waikato

I love walking in nature. The time when I am most at peace with myself and life is when I am surrounded by green and listening to bird song. Growing up in the Waikato, I have had quite a lot of time to explore the different walks in the area.

Below are some of my favorite walks in the Waikato. It was hard to narrow it down to just four, perhaps I will do a part two eventually.

The Kauri Loop

Do you like the idea of climbing hundreds of stairs? Well that is 1500 stairs to be exact. The Kauri Loop Walk will surely scratch that stair-master urge. The walk is located in the Hakarimata Scenic Reserve on the western edge of Ngāruawāhia township.

The ascent is a lot of stairs. And I mean a lot. Around every bend, you will be confronted with more stairs. And sometimes, that can become a bit of a trudge. I did this walk with my mum, and she was cursing me the whole time. She is not one for stairs apparently.

So how exactly did this sometimes painful walk make it to this list. Well, it is because of the views.

Emerging into the upper clearing, you can see why the slog is worth it. Especially so, if you venture for sunrise or sunset simply for the amazing views of the clouds, and how the golden light softly touches the vista below.  There are benches up there where you can rest your weary and slightly abused legs for a bit, while enjoying the beautiful views out North and West. Straight out in front is the Waikato River winding its way around pastures and the town of Huntly. The quintessential steam towers of the power station are able to be seen below. When I was up there, a kahu or Australasian harrier soared past, which was a real treat. 

Distance of Walk : 3km loop

Time : 1 hour to upper lookout.

The Karakariki Track

If you are after a short and sweet walk, then this will be up your alley.

This walk crosses private farmland - so be aware of this and make sure to stay on the path and don’t disturb farm animals. As you arrive, it does appear a little dodgy. At the end of a long windy road, you reach a dairy farm, but, the walk does start there - so don’t let appearances throw you off.

This walk is great as you get to cross swingbridges and at the end of the walk you come to a waterfall. How cool is that. The waterfall is quite small in stature, but it is still a lovely waterfall to explore. I would not recommend swimming - just because of all the farmland surrounding it and it looked a little murky when I went.

Time - 20mins one way.

Nikau Walk

The Nikau walk is located in the Pirongia forest and as it’s name suggests, there are many many Nikau trees to marvel at during the walk. The first part of the walk is uncovered and you are walking along farmland, so be sure to give the curious cows a friendly wave.

There is a lovely stream that you follow along and it is very relaxing to simply walk and listen to the sounds of the birds and water. I was over the moon when I spotted a miromiro or tomtit during the early stages of the walk. He or she was flittering around the trees just before I entered the dense bush. Miromiro can spot insects ten metres away, so perhaps he was having his breakfast when I came upon him.

After the walk in along a gravel path, you are meet with dense native bush. Nikau’s, Ponga, Supplejack surround you, alongside the sweet twittering of piwakawaka or New Zealand Fantail. I even saw a black piwakawaka while doing this walk - which was the first time ever I have seen this bird. The walk itself is very flat and easy - so if you feel like a stroll in the native bush with bird song surrounding you, check this one out.

Time 2 hr 30 min return

Yarndley' Bush

Yarndley' Bush is an amazing wild space encompassing 14 hectares of tall Kahikatea. Some of these grand giants stand at 35 metres tall. The walk itself is nice and easy, with a boardwalk that allows you to wander through this forest of giants. There is a canopy tower, which allows you to view the forest from above. This is a great spot for a morning coffee as you enjoy the interesting perspective and sounds of the bush. The forest is home to many birds, especially tuis, piwakawaka or fantails, and rosellas.

The hardest part of the walk is the hill up after you leave the bush. Just take your time and keep the tranquility you now have in your mind from the forest below.

Time - 30 minute return.