2 minute read
Cambridge to Lake Karāpiro
Meander along boardwalks, past horse studs to the spectacular Lake Karāpiro.
Where is it?
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Set off from the end of Carlyle St in Leamington, Cambridge. Although access/parking can be found at Leamington Rugby Club and Lake Karāpiro Domain also.
Terrain
The path is dead flat leaving Leamington with a few short but steep hills just as you head towards Karāpiro and then beside the lake.
Good to Know
Stop in at Podium Café for spectacular lake views, or in summer, the Karāpiro Berry Box on Maungatautari Rd has rewarding real fruit ice cream.
Need to know
8km
Reasonable fitness required
Easy walking
Dogs on a leash
TRACK OVERVIEW
Starting at the car park, found at the southern end of Carlyle St, you’ll follow signs taking you off-road to Maungatautari Rd, running alongside paddocks and pastures. You’ll pass homes to some of the country’s finest thoroughbreds, both past and present, and many a horse stud along the way. Around 4km, the road bends round to the right to now follow the water way. At the 5.5km mark you’ll be met by the Karāpiro DomainPodium Café, ideal for a refreshment break. The final leg travels alongside the lake for a further 2.5km, where now it’s all about boating.
This trail is part of Te Awa River Ride, the country’s longest concrete pathway, winding its way for 65km from Ngāruawāhia toLake Karāpiro, following the mighty Waikato.
Lake Karāpiro © Adobe Stock
