Hakarimata Rail Trail & Walkway

The Hakarimata Rail Trail & Walkway is a popular destination for hikers and cyclists in the Waikato region of New Zealand.

The trail follows the former Ngaruawahia/Glen Massey railway and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and attractive stream cascades. Divided into two sections, the northern section starts from Parker Road, while the southern section starts from Waingaro Road.

The Hakarimata Rail Trail is a family-friendly walking and cycling track that runs for about 1.5 km, following the old Glen Massey railway line. The trail is flat and mostly gravel or grass, making it easy to bike. The trail ends at a picnic area and toilet, where hikers can choose to continue along the Hakarimata Walkway or take the Hakarimata Summit Track down to Brownlee Avenue.

The Hakarimata Walkway is a part of Te Araroa - New Zealand's Trail and offers several great Waikato walking trails, including the summit track and Kauri loop track. The walkway starts from the picnic area and heads up to the ridgeline of the Hakarimatas, where hikers can find Cascade waterfall. From there, hikers can continue up to the ridge, which takes about 2 hours along the Hakarimata ridgeline to the summit. The climb up the Hakarimatas is not for fit and experienced hikers. Visitors are advised to check its condition with DOC before attempting this walk. Despite this, the Hakarimata Rail Trail & Walkway remains a popular destination for hikers and cyclists, offering stunning views and a challenging climb for those who seek it.