Image: Jane Hughes | DOC
On top of Mt Kakepuku.
Kakepuku Track

Located in Kakepuku Mountain Historic Reserve in the Waikato region

The Kakepuku Track in Kakepuku Historic Reserve climbs up through bush to the summit of Kakepuku, an old volcano.

Magnificent views of the surrounding Waipa-Waikato landscape and fascinating panels with historical and geological information reward your efforts at the summit.

From the car park there is a walking track to the summit. This track is an old farm road and is of an easy gradient. This replaces an old track which has been closed.

Once at the top continue along a ridge through a fine remnant of original forest in the ancient crater and finally onto the summit itself (449 m). Climb a few last steps to the top of the new lookout tower.

Off Kakepuku Mountain Rd.

Dogs are prohibited from all Waikato area tracks except for certified guide dogs and permitted hunting dogs.

The Kakepuku track can get very muddy and slippery in winter and periods of prolonged rain. Caution is advised.

Sights and sounds of tui and kereru can be found and heard in the Kakepuku Historic Reserve. Look out for North Island robins, 30 of which were released here in 1999.

The plant species in the reserve include tawa, rewarewa, kohekohe, mangeao and pukatea.