Track reopens after work to enhance experience
The southern section of the Hakarimata Walkway, one of Waikato’s popular tracks in the Hakarimata Ranges, is set to reopen to the public following major track restoration work over the past 10 weeks.
The track was closed by the Department of Conservation in early February for scheduled upgrades to improve the walk and enhance visitor experience.
The southern section of the track, once classified as a tramping track, is now a walking track. This means it is a less rigorous and physically demanding walk, requiring a low to moderate level of fitness, whereas before it had been deemed as suitable for experienced backcountry walkers with a moderate to high level of fitness.
“The upgrades made to this section of the Hakarimata Walkway will make this track more accessible” says acting Waikato operations manager, Andrew Styche. “Steps have been installed along the Waingaro Loop to the same standard as the rest of the walkway, meaning more people can enjoy this beautiful part of the forest.”
Visitors can wander casually among the rimu and miro, or take a brisk walk beneath the cover of matai and rewarewa. Walkers will find peace in the company of aged trees and dappled sunlight, and the various Hakarimata routes offer options between 30-minute short walks and full day-long walks for the more adventurous.
The Hakarimata Walkway is 12km one-way and crosses the ridge of the Hakarimata Range.
However, people come for more than just the view. Track counters at the Waterworks Walk entrance show around 120,000 counts were made in the 2020/2021 year. Keen folk come for fitness, family time, downtime and to give a helping hand.
“Gravel pits and bags have been left by the Waikato District Council at the entrance of the Brownlee Ave track so keen visitors can fill a bag, carry it up and tip it out over the steps to help maintain the track,” says Garland.