Hakarimata Walkway & Summit & Waingaro Hot Pools & Hotel Dinner - Waikato Region

Haere mai ! Greetings All.

Let's visit the Waikato Region today hiking at Ngaruawahia just past Huntly and explore the fabulous Hakarimata Ranges alongside the Waikato River.

A popular destination for hiking and running enthusiasts living in Hamilton, as its very close, and now for Aucklanders looking for outdoor activities without numerous board walks, the Hakarimata Ranges Walkway has a few different hiking routes, and I've been bringing people together here for walking and nature discovery adventures for many years.

Afterwards, there's the highly recommended Option to visit Waingaro Hot Thermal Springs and have early Dinner next door at the Historic Waingaro Rural Hotel and Restaurant. Return to Auckland afterwards takes about 90mins to the CBD and Victoria Park New World etc.

We will do the shorter southern loop here ..roughly 4 hrs walking...and about 10km.
after our slower hiking Trailblazers Mission ...climbing up to reach the Summit at 374m.

From the summit tower there's splendid views towards Mt Ruapehu on a clear day, and other days, exceptional views all over the Waikato River and Region and across to the Coromandels.

From our Meeting place Carpark at 2 Brownlee Ave, and the new toilets, many people arrive throughout the day, so expect to see a lot of family and friends here today, some regular runners get up to the Summit under an hour, and return same way, up and down its well maintained and known almost 1400 steps, which go up in a series of flights of stairs, all under the canopy of mature and huge old native trees.

Our pace and route here today will be more leisurely , though I will lead from the end of our group, so you can hike up at your own pace, or hang back with me...as we chat about the things we see along the way...trees and plants etc...and enjoy a longer lunch break before the afternoon section of our route loop walk today...an additional three hours...making a total of about 4 plus hours of easy going pace hiking...and extra time for breaks and photography opportunities..

Which I might add...are second to none here...There's plenty of reasons to slow down and look around and enjoy the walking up here as well.

We don't do any serious uphill steps until after passing by the old dam here, and a waterfall, alongside the stream..so we can relax for the first 30 mins.....Before we head up those 1349 steps which take an average person an hour plus or take 20mins..Lots of seats on the way up..all under the canopy of mature trees..perfect on a hot day if you return here another day...

Aftter a restored lunch break at the Viewing Tower at almost 380m....We will then bush walk the southern end or beginning section of the Hakarimata Walkway here, which follows an up and down trail, and it feels like you're deep in the wilderness here..and we Circle back down to reach our cars , via the road...and track...completing this Nature Discovery Loop Trail over 4 hours of leisurely walking, once we knock off the Main Hakarimata Ranges steps challenge. Congratulations 🎊

Back at the Cars, we will enjoy the nearby Waingaro Thermal Hot Pools located in the hills above Ngaruawahia..basic and old fashioned, these have a cheaper entrance price, and a large outdoors hot thermal pool.

Next door is the fabulous Waingaro Hotel with a separate Dining Room here, for old fashioned Rural Hotel Hospitality and Plated Hot Food, Burgers and Salads and Fries, or Steak Eggs and Chips and Chicken , Fish or Vegetarian options. Enjoy a Beer or a glass of wine after the rejuvenation of the Hot Pools, and our fabulous nature trail hiking..

Lets make a day trip away from Auckland this Saturday..

Bring along everything you need to keep yourself warm and happy and fed and hydrated and consider purchasing a hiking pole , one or two, these help older knees and lower backs...and make good sense hiking this way, in areas here that have steeper up hills and down over slippery surfaces. Poles or Sticks give you extra support and confidence. And with strong grippy walking shoes or boots , ensure your safety is good for this wilderness track loop today.

Bring along or wear thermal wool layers on your chest and legs , to further enjoy your warmth and comfort here today, and think about enjoying the Hot Pools afterwards.

We will also learn something about the things we see along the way today, like the native birds and trees here in the Waikato Region, quite different to Aucklands warmer temperatures.

Car Pooling - Transportation

We will have an optional earlier Meeting place for Shared Rides, if you don't have a Car or enjoy having a Passenger today.

We will meet at the now closed Victoria Park New World on Scotland Street in the City at 8am, for a 8.30am Departure to our Destination Carpark at Ngaruawahia and meeting time at 10.30am.

Or add a Comment below here, with the Area you live in and Mob Number .

Bring along $20 Cash to pay your Driver.

No Dogs or Smokers here today.

Bring along your Swimming Togs and Towel for Waingaro Hot Pools on Waingaro Road. Additional clothes for Dinner afterwards in Hotel.

Return home via the Back Roads to reach State Highway 1 and back to Auckland is about 90mins each way.

Please allow Extra Time other than what Google Map link here says..The Waikato Region often has Roadworks and Larger vehicles on the Road in the Weekends.

Expect to make this a Day Trip away from Auckland.

Please answer the RSVP questions which helps with planning and assisting others with transportation.

APPOX TIME SCHEDULE -
8am Carpooling Organised at New World Victoria Park .
8.20- 8.30 - Cars leave Scotland Street, Drive to 2 Brownlee Ave Carpark in Ngaruawahia.
MEET AND GREET IS 10.30AM.
Trailblazing 50's plus starts around 11AM.
RETURN to Carpark area between 3pm and 4pm depending on group size.

We drive 20 mins to Waingaro Hot Pools at 2263 Waingaro Road. Google Map. 2263 Waingaro Road . IN THE POOL AT ABOUT 5PM.
Pool Entry is $16 Adults.
Spend an hour plus here . Change Clothes. Pools close at 7.30pm.

DRIVE CARS TO NEXT DOOR AT WAINGARO HOTEL AND RESTAURANT. Separate Carpark Area as Pool Gates Close at 7.45/8pm.

EAT DINNER at Waingaro Historic Hotel.

Return home to Auckland. About 90mins DRIVE arriving at 8.30-9pm.

EVENT Finishes.

Any questions please contact me directly.

Lets have a fun day Trailblazers in the Waikato Region..

Kind regards Stephen F.

Mob O274779494