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

Raglan Rock, Sport Climbing Course

Grab your climbing partner and come learn the fundamentals of lead rock climbing on bolted sport routes, with some of New Zealand’s highest qualified instructors. We will have you lead climbing before you know it. The course will cover: Lead belaying, quickdraw placement, clipping methods, safety considerations, how to lower and clean a route safely and lots of climbing. Get in touch now to book yourself onto one of these awesome days. Whether you are a beginner taking the next step, or a seasoned pro, that has perhaps had some time away and wants to sharpen up their skills before going alone once more, we’ve got you covered. Equipment, from our office to the crag and back and free photos all included.

Raglan Rock

Raglan Rock, Original Pioneers Caving

Escape the crowds and join Raglan Rock to explore the closest caving network to Hamilton City Centre. The original pioneer’s tour follows the first mapped route of the Karamu Cave. Descend into the beautiful natural limestone chasms and experience an out of this world adventure. A peaceful walk through the Karamu cave stream leads past a few fun wriggly squeezes before entering the magnificent auditorium, where the exciting wriggle and squeeze known as the keyhole leads you to a different world. Karamu cave is a treasure trove of delicate and prehistoric formations; stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and crystals, as well as showcasing many fossils, from cockles to kina shells. Come sink your teeth into the adventure for everyone.

Hamilton & Waikato Tourism

Raglan Kayak

Discover the Famous Pancake Rocks with Raglan Kayak. Step into an ancient world on our signature Limestone Express kayak tour. Backed by 20+ years of local expertise and a Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Award putting us in the top 10% of activities worldwide, our passionate guides bring Raglan’s spectacular coastline to life. You’ll paddle straight into the heart of the iconic Pancake Rocks, navigating a unique limestone labyrinth only accessible by kayak. Discover hidden beaches, spot local wildlife, and hear captivating stories of our rich culture and legends. Fully equipped, safe, and family-friendly (ages 8+), this top-rated guided excursion is an unforgettable way to experience Whāingaroa. Book today.

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.

All things to do

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