Trails and walks

There are many beautiful walkways and places of interest in the Waikato district.

Waikato District managed trails and walks include:

Pipiwharauroa Trail

The 18 kilometre long Pipiwharauroa Trail winds over the Te Uku Wind Farm site and affords outstanding 360 degree views across the greater Waikato, to include Raglan, Kawhia and Aotea harbours, and on a clear day, Mt Taranaki.

The trail offers a unique opportunity to experience the history of the site, unmatched views of the Waikato and a chance to get close to a number of the 137 metre high turbines in operation on the wind farm. It takes approximately four hours to walk or two hours to cycle return.

At the summit, a historic site treasured by local iwi, Ngaati Maahanga is known as Te Tihi o Tonganui. The site pays homage to three ancestors, Mahanga the eponymous ancestor and namesake of the tribe, Tonganui the warrior and Hone Waitere, the last Maaori owner of the Wharauroa block.

The formation of the Pipiwharauroa Trail over existing paper roads has been made possible with the co-operation and goodwill of the landowners.

The project is a joint initiative by Waikato District Council, Meridian Energy and landowners.

Lake Hakanoa Walkway and the Green Cathedral

Lake Hakanoa is famous for it's beautiful scenery. Take a walk around the lake - Huntly's most sought-after attraction. The entrance to the walkway is at the end of Park Avenue in Huntly Domain.

The track is pram and wheelchair friendly. Here you will discover the Green Cathedral, an idyllic spot often chosen for weddings. The Green Cathedral has seating for 180 guests and the car park can accommodate 40 cars.

Ngaruawahia's Kiingitanga Heritage Trail

Ngaruawahia is the home of the first and current Maaori king and has a long history of Maaori settlement. This history is celebrated in a heritage trail immediately adjacent to SH1. Discover The Point, the meeting of the two rivers, Waipa and Waikato and view the gun turret from the British gun boat, Pioneer. 1500 metre circuit.

Pukemokemoke Bush Reserve

This remnant of forest has more than 300 native species. Access off Gordonton-Whitikahu Road (next to the quarry). 1.5 hour circuit.