Karamu Walkway
Located in Raglan area in the Waikato region
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Introduction
Superb 360 degree views and impressive limestone bluffs are features of this walk.Seasonal restrictions
The reserve is closed annually over the lambing season (1 August – 31 October). Exact dates to be confirmed by farm manager – check this page before your walk.
Dog access
This walkway provides an opportunity to walk over farmland with sheep, cattle and goats close at hand.
You can choose to do the whole walkway, one section of it, or simply wander up to enjoy the view then return to the carpark.
Four Brothers Track
Time: 15 min
Distance: 630 m one way
Start at the Four Brothers Scenic Reserve car park on the Hamilton-Raglan Highway (SH23). A moderate 15-minute climb through bush leads to the reserve’s southern boundary, open farmland and good views.
Karamu Walkway North
Time: 1.5 hr one way
Distance: 2.7 km
Start from the car park on the Hamilton-Raglan Highway along the Four Brothers Track before crossing open farmland. This section of the walkway is across private land so respect the owner’s rights. Follow the white posts and orange markers along the main ridge to Old Mountain Rd. There are great views of the Hakarimata Range in the north, Karioi and the coast to the west, Pirongia to the south and Hamilton city to the east.
Karamu Walkway South
Time: 3-4 hr one way
Distance: 7.8 km
This section of walkway starts on the south side of Old Mountain Rd. After an initial climb you cross gently-rolling pasture studded with outcrops of limestone before dropping down to a bush remnant at the southern end of the track. The track descends steeply in places through the bush (slippery when wet) and then down a farm road to the grassy flats, with some large totara and kahikatea along the way. Follow the markers above the limeworks mill to the car-park, and then out to Fillery Road. Don’t cross the swingbridge over the Kaniwhaniwha Stream which has been closed and is due for removal.
Note: to access Karamu Walkway from the Karamu end, turn off Limeworks Loop Rd on to Fillery Rd, cross the one-lane bridge then follow the signs along a farm track to the carpark.
If you don't want to retrace your steps back along the track you will need to arrange transport from either Limeworks Loop Rd or Old Mountain Rd.
Begins from the Four Brothers Scenic Reserve, on the Hamilton-Raglan highway (State Highway 23), or from Limeworks Loop Road.
- Keep to the marked route.
- Do not disturb stock (note that bulls may be present).
- Do not take dogs on the walkway.
- Do not carry firearms.
- Use stiles, not gates.
- Avoid hay barns and other farm structures.
- Be careful with cigarette butts.
- Avoid using the walkway after dark.
Contacts
| DOC Customer Service Centre | |
|---|---|
| Phone | 0800 275 362 |
| waikato@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | DOC offices |