Mt Karioi Raglan

Months of operation

All Year

Mt Karioi is a forest-clad extinct volcano, surrounded by lush Waikato farmland on one side and the Tasman Sea on the other.

There are two available tracks to reach the summit of Mt Karioi in Raglan. This allows those hiking the trail to do a mountain crossing, or a return trip on either side.

Mt Karioi Track

The Karioi track from Te Toto Gorge car park offers fantastic views of the rugged west coast, north towards the Manukau Heads. Looking south on a clear day, you can see the four peaks of Mt Tongariro, Mt Nguruhoe, Mt Ruapehu and Mt Taranaki.

The track is exposed and steep at times, and chains are provided in a couple of places to assist with the ascent. From Te Toto Gorge car park to the summit and return takes a full day.

Location: Drive around the coast to Te Toto Gorge. The Te Toto Gorge car park is on Whaanga Road, near Raglan.

Wairake Track - Mt Karioi

A shorter and gentler route to the summit is from the Ruapuke Road car park. This route crosses farmland for 40 minutes before climbing steadily through native forest to the top. The walk to the summit and back takes about six hours.

Location: The car park is at the end of Karioi Road, which is off Ruapuke Road near Raglan

Please Note: Many of the walking trails in the Hamilton & Waikato region do not allow dogs. Hamilton & Waikato Tourism recommend checking with the Department of Conservation before taking your dog on any of the trails in the region.

Pricing

Free

Proximity to Town:

25 minutes drive from Raglan

Activity Duration:

2 hours - 3 hours 30 minutes one way

Wahinemoe

Raglan Boat Charters - Sunset Cruise

Raglan Boat Charters is located at the Raglan Wharf on Whaingaroa Harbour, the West Coast of New Zealand's North Island, 40 kms from Hamilton and approx 150kms from Auckland, Tauranga and Rotorua. About our Cruises: Departing Raglan Wharf aboard the Wahinemoe to explore the charm of Whaingaroa Harbour – cruise past large conservation reserves, farmland and fishing villages. You will see marine wildlife and ancient limestone rock formations, and listen to fascinating tales about the history and culture of this very special area. Your friendly skipper and crew will take great care of you and make sure you have a magical experience. The sunset cruise is the best and its extremely rare on the west coast to find such an excellent viewpoint.

Redwood Sauna

Sauna and Ice Bath Session

Inspired by the European Aufguss, we run guided sauna and ice bath sessions. In groups of up to 12, participants have chance to cool off in a cold shower and ice bath before entering the sauna for the first round. The facilitator will then explain the outline of the session. Then, with peaceful music playing, the first 15 minute round begins, with water mixed with essential oils being added to the rocks, creating scented waves of heat that wash over you, as the facilitator waves around a towel. Between the sauna rounds, there is 5-7 minutes where participants are welcome to rinse off in the shower before going into the ice bath. See our schedule to book into one of our sessions or hire the sauna and ice bath.

Raglan Rock

Glowworm Canyoning Experience - Private Tour From Auckland By ExperienceKart

Visit the award-winning Hamilton gardens and the Waikato’s most popular visitor attraction. As the sun goes down, be guided by the light of the glow worms and stars and descend into the old freshwater canyon stream flowing down from Mt Karioi. Explore natural underground formations and caves with a canyoning expedition in Raglan. This is a highly rated, truly magical canyoning experience.

Raglan Rock

Raglan Rock Karioi Glowworm Canyoning

As you descend, you’ll climb and abseil the cascading waterfalls all whilst under the light of your head torch, and the luminescent shine of the glow worms! Feel safe in the company of an experienced guide, as they lead you on a great adventure. Throughout the trip hear the stories, history, and knowledge of the landscape and local area from your passionate guide. As darkness falls, you’ll begin to see the luminescent transformation take place. Witness new worlds of light being created by the native New Zealand glowworms who call this place home. Take a minute to stop for a moment of peace and tranquillity, with a hot cup of freshly made Kawakawa tea. All equipment, photos and instruction is provided.

Raglan Rock

Raglan Rock, Real Rock Climbing Experience

Test your personal limits as you top rope climb the ancient fossil limestone cliffs of Stone Valley. With spectacular views of the countryside, boulder valleys, and the extinct volcanoe of Mt Pirongia, it’s a high energy adventure. Your fully qualified and experienced guide will teach you the safest form of climbing there is and impart knowledge, such as rock identification, belaying, equipment selection and equipment checking. Not only are our guides excellent climbing instructors, but they are a dab hand of getting those awesome insta shots whilst you’re scaling the face, of all which you will receive for free. All equipment, photos and instruction is provided with free pick up and drop off available from Raglan.

Stories by Anne

Wine Tasting and Platter Experience with Short Tour

You’re probably surprised to see a vineyard in Raglan, within a region not well-known for its wine. So, this is a special opportunity to try unique local wines in an equally incomparable location. This 1-hour 15 minute wine tasting and platter experience includes a short vineyard and winery tour, where you can learn more about our property and process. Our generous platters, perfect for lunch, typically include olives, three types of cheese, ample crackers, preserves & relish, chocolate, dates, and cured meats. We can accommodate gluten-free and vegetarian diets. Although our wines are vegan-friendly, we cannot accommodate dairy-free or vegan diets due to the main ingredients of our platters. Availability is limited and bookings essential.

All things to do

This website helps visitors connect with providers of great tourism experiences. It is not intended to give any assurance that any particular provider complies with its safety obligations. Users should seek more information from the provider concerned. While Hamilton & Waikato Tourism will do its utmost to ensure the information contained within this website is accurate, Hamilton & Waikato Tourism accepts no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions, offers or details of any information or operator listings. Prices, timetables and other details or terms of business may change without notice. The information included in this website is not advice and does not imply any endorsement by Hamilton & Waikato Tourism.