A Field Guide to Auckland & Waikato Natural & Historic Walks

Name: HAKARIMATA TRIG + Waingaro Hot Pools + Hotel Dinner- Ngaruawahia - Waikato
Start: 2025-06-20T23:00:00.000Z
End: 2025-06-21T03:00:00.000Z
Location: Hakarimata Walkway

Auckland, NZ

89 members · Public group

Organized by Stephen J. French (Bush Lover)

What we’re about

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### Welcome to A Field Guide To Auckland & Waikato 🌿

The Auckland & Waikato Region has a wealth of natural and historic interest. From volcanic cones, to fossilized forests,from marine reserves to bird sanctuaries, from pa sites, to historic buildings, there are dozens of sites within easy distance of the Auckland & Waikato Regions, that tell the story of the region's natural and historical history.

New Zealand's native trees and forests are also unique, they look, smell and feel like no other forests, which is not surprising, as more than 80% of the c.2400 native species of confers, flowering plants and ferns, in the flora as a whole occur nowhere else in the world.

This group is for anyone who enjoys relaxed, guided by Stephen walks in Nature around Auckland and Beyond — easy, and medium levels of difficulty, no rush, no pressure...

Whether you're new to the city or a long term resident like me ...Or just want to explore it more mindfully, you're in the right place as I've got a real passion for bringing people together for Urban Walking & Hiking in Auckland, and Beyond.

Featured event

Sat, Jun 21, 2025, 11:00 AM NZSTHAKARIMATA TRIG + Waingaro Hot Pools + Hotel Dinner- Ngaruawahia - Waikato

Hakarimata Walkway , Hamilton

HAKARIMATA TRIG + Waingaro Hot Pools + Hotel Dinner- Ngaruawahia - Waikato cover photo

Hi all.

If you haven't heard about the Hakarimata Walkway and The Hakarimata Trig at 371m located between Ngaruawahia and Huntly ..and its walk up the Steps Challenge to the Summit in less or more than an hour and is part of the Te Araroa Trail...now is the opportunity to check this popular walkway opposite The Waikato River. .

Less than 10 mins drive from Hamilton..and an easy hour plus from Auckland...
locals in the Waikato describe the Huks...as an outside gym, ...that brings running groups and individuals early morning or in the evenings...and Walking and Hiking groups ..throughout the day, I particularly like the mature trees here every time we visit, we come away learning something different.

There's a total of 1349 wooden steps and stairs...each way..although for today we are going up and down.. at a casual pace ... And you'll follow my footsteps..stopping to learn something together about the things we see..particularly some huge old trees, smaller kauri etc.

Absolutely wonderful scenery together on the way up...and down later...the same way...Seats to sit on ..to chat with otherps..

Taking an average person about an hour plus to walk up to the Summit and Viewing Tower at almost 300m.

There's flat areas to begin with after leaving the Carparking..at Brownlee Ave in Ngaruawahia. An old waterfall and a Dam...about 30 mins before we do the Steps Challenge .

We will go up and back down..Rest at the Top..then return down .

Then we will visit the old fashioned nearby Waingaro Hot Thermal pools located in the hills. Next door is the Waingaro Hotel and Restaurant for a early dinner, a beer, and then back to Auckland..

Hot Pools are less expensive than others, they have a zoom slide which I enjoy..Big hot outside pools..and ample space for other creative stuff. You'll meet the local Maori women probably too..and the men and whanau..and we will all have a wonderful time.

Bring along your swimming stuff, snacks, and change of clothes for Early Dinner
..

Plus water, and snacks wear strong grippy walking shoes, bring a hiking pole for the steps Challenge..Carry everything you Need to be happy with, in a Small backpack.

When - Saturday 21st June 2025.

Meet and Greet is 11am at Brownlee Ave in Ngaruawahia.

Cost - We will have a $5 dollar note Collection for the Meet Up Website which has tripled its fees this year.

Please No One Under 40 years.

No Guests or Dogs or Smokers or Music Devices.

Carpooling - Organise this amongst yourselves first. Add your phone number and area where you live and contact each other. If you belong to other groups, this is familiar.

Keep Smiling and Moving Your Body.

See you on Saturday morning at Ngaruawahia .

Bring along your togs and towels for the Hot Pools.

Be great to see you.

Cheers Stephen F..
Mob 0274 779495