Walking & Hiking Trails

Karamu Walkway

The Karamu Walkway offers one long hike, or the option of two shorter hikes, each offering superb views of the surrounding region.

The highlights of this advanced Waikato hiking track include impressive limestone bluffs, wide open farmland home to sheep, cattle and goats, native bush and more.

Please Note: These tracks cross private land – all users are asked to respect the owner’s rights and property.

Four Brothers Track

Enjoy a reasonable climb along a bush track to the southern boundary of the reserve which offers stunning views over the surrounding farmland. Return back the same way.

  • Time: 15 min one way
  • Location: Start at the Four Brothers Scenic Reserve Carpark, on the Hamilton – Raglan Highway (SH23).

Karamu Walkway North

Follow the Four Brothers Track before crossing into open farmland. Following the white posts and orange markers along the main ridge to Old Mountain Road, this route offers great views of the Hakarimata Range, Mt Karioi, Mt Pirongia and Hamilton City.

  • Time: 1.5 hours one way
  • Location: Start at the Four Brothers Scenic Reserve Carpark, on the Hamilton – Raglan Highway (SH23).

Karamu Walkway South

This challenging Waikato walk begins with a climb across rolling farmland dotted with limestone outcrops, before descending down into a bush remnant at the south end of the trail. The track drops steeply through the bush before reaching a farm road and grassy flats boasting large totara and kahikatea trees along the way. Follow the markers above the limeworks mill to the carpark and out to Fillery Road. Either return back the same way, or arrange transport from either Limeworks Loop Road or Old Mountain Road.

  • Time: 3-4 hours one way
  • Location: Start on the south side of Old Mountain Road.

Please note:

  • Don’t cross the swing bridge over the Kaniwhaniwha Stream which has been closed and is due for removal.
  • To access Karamu Walkway from the Karamu end, turn off Limeworks Loop Rd on to Fillery Rd, cross the one-lane bridge then follow the signs along a farm track to the carpark.

Karamu Walkway Details

  • More Info: www.doc.govt.nz
  • Seasonal Restrictions: Reserve is closed annually from 1 August to mid-November
  • Please note: Dogs are not permitted on this trail.