TRAINING EVENT | HAKARIMATA TRAVERSE—NGARUAWĀHIA TO HUNTLY 14 KM/900m elev gain
Details
TRAINING EVENT FOR NEW MEMBERS, FUN FOR REGULARS
Maximum number of participants: 20 (Everyone goes on the waiting list, and Rafick checks before approving.)
## HAKARIMATA TRAVERSE — NGARUAWĀHIA TO HUNTLY
Date: Sunday 2 November 2025
Start: Hakarimata Scenic Reserve, Brownlee Avenue Carpark (Ngaruawāhia)
Finish: Parker Road Carpark (Huntly)
Start time: Meet by 9:15 AM — depart 9:30 AM sharp
Distance: Approximately 14 km (one way)
Duration: 5½ – 6 hours (including breaks)
Difficulty: 4/5 — long, steady climbs (~900 m total gain), undulating ridge, many stairs.
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### Itinerary
We’ll begin with the well-known Hakarimata stairs from Ngaruawāhia (a 600 m climb to the summit platform). From there, the ridge track undulates through native forest with a series of climbs and descents before gradually dropping to Huntly.
Expect continuous hill work, good cardio training, and rewarding views across the Waikato Basin.
This is a point-to-point hike — no backtracking — so a car shuttle will be organised between Ngaruawāhia and Huntly before we start.
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### What to Bring
This is a full-day hike over rough and often steep terrain. Please be properly prepared.
Clothing and footwear
- Sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes with good grip (the stairs and descents can be slippery)
- Lightweight long pants or shorts suitable for bush tracks
- Quick-drying top and warm mid-layer (fleece or merino)
- Waterproof rain jacket — the ridge can be windy or wet
- Hat and sunscreen for sun protection
- Gloves or fingerless gloves for better grip on railings and poles
Food and hydration
- At least 2 litres of water (there are no reliable refill points on the ridge)
- Packed lunch and high-energy snacks (nuts, bars, fruit, sandwiches)
- Electrolyte mix or salt tablets if you tend to sweat heavily
Equipment
- Daypack (20–30 L recommended)
- Hiking poles (optional but very helpful on the descent)
Your safety is your responsibility. Please ensure you are fit enough for a continuous 5–6-hour hill walk with long climbs and descents.
### Transport and Shuttle Plan
It’s about 1 hour 25 minutes to Ngaruawāhia. A few drivers will leave vehicles at the Huntly (Parker Road) carpark before returning to Ngaruawāhia to start the hike.
At the end of the walk those vehicles will transport everyone back to the starting point.
Ride-share contribution:
- One passenger: $25 to the driver
- Two or more passengers: $15 each
Please coordinate in the comments if you can offer or need a lift.
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### Important Notes
- Check weather forecasts before the event — the ridge can be slippery after rain.
- Carry enough food, water, and layers for the full day.
- This event involves a long climb and descent — excellent preparation for Kepler and Milford.
- If the track is officially closed for any reason, a replacement route of similar length and grade will be announced.
Your safety is your responsibility.
### Contribution
Each attendee sends $2 to help cover Meetup.com costs.
Contributions are due before the event.
Please make a transfer to 02-0200-0260173-000 [Wakahi.com Limited](https://www.wakahi.com/)