New Zealand Walk: Nature Walks in the Waikato

Nature walks in the Waikato

By Athena Rhodes

Ilove walking in nature. The time when I am feeling the happiest is when I am surrounded by lush green native bush and listening to bird song. Growing up in Waikato, I have had quite a lot of time to explore the different walks in the area.

Below are four of my favourite walks in the Waikato. All of these are quite easy grade and perfect for that weekend nature fix.

The Kauri Loop

Do you like the idea of climbing hundreds of stairs? Well 1500 stairs to be exact. The Kauri Loop Walk will surely scratch that stair-master urge. The walk is located in the Hakarimata Scenic Reserve on the western edge of Ngāruawāhia township.

The ascent is a lot of stairs. And I mean a lot. Around every bend, you will be confronted with more stairs. And sometimes, this can become a bit of a trudge.

So how exactly did this sometimes painful walk make it to this list. Well, it is because of the views.

Emerging into the upper clearing, you can see why the slog is worth it. Especially so, if you venture for sunrise or sunset simply for the amazing views of the clouds, and how the golden light softly touches the vista below. There are benches up there where you can rest your weary and slightly abused legs for a bit, while enjoying the beautiful views out North and West.

Straight out in front is the Waikato River winding its way around pastures and the town of Huntly. The quintessential steam towers of the power station are able to be seen below. When I was up there, a kahu or Australasian harrier soared past, which was a real treat.

Distance of Walk : 3km loop

Time : One hour to upper lookout.

Location : Hakarimata Scenic Reserve

Above left: A lookout on the Kauri Loop Walk. Below left: In the Karakariki Scenic Reserve.

Have a smile!

Simba was walking too slow, so I told him to Mufasa.

Unknown

If you are after a short and sweet walk, then this will be up your alley.

This walk crosses private farmland - so be aware of this and make sure to stay on the path and don’t disturb the farm animals. As you arrive, it does appear a little dodgy. At the end of a long windy road, you reach a private farm, but the walk does start there - so don’t let appearances throw you off. Park outside the fence, and make your way in.

This walk is great as you get to cross swing bridges and at the end of the walk you come to a waterfall. How cool is that? The waterfall is quite small in stature, but it is still a lovely waterfall to explore.

Time - 20 minutes one way.

Location - Karakariki Scenic Reserve

Nikau Walk

The Nikau walk is located in the Pirongia Forest Park and as its name suggests, there are many many Nikau trees to marvel at during the walk. The first part of the walk is uncovered and you are walking along farmland, so be sure to give the curious cows a friendly wave.

There is a lovely stream that you follow along and it is very relaxing to simply walk and listen to the sounds of the birds and water. I was over the moon when I spotted a miromiro or tomtit during the early stages of the walk. He or she was fluttering around the trees just before I entered the dense bush. Miromiro can spot insects ten metres away, so perhaps he was having his breakfast when I came upon him.

After the walk in along a gravel path, you are met with dense native bush. Nikau, ponga, Supplejack surround you, alongside the sweet twittering of piwakawaka or New Zealand Fantail. I even saw a black piwakawaka while doing this walk - which was the first time ever I have seen this bird. The walk itself is very flat and easy - so if you feel like a stroll in the native bush with bird song surrounding you, check this one out.

Time Two hours 30 minutes return

Location - Pirongia Forest Park