Best forest trails in Waikato, New Zealand

Very good trail with great views of the valley along the climb. Once you reach the pinnacles hut (2.5 hours) you can rest a little and head up to the peak. Lots of stairs to get to the top and then climbing up metal ladders - take care when doing this part. So worth it with the views of the forest and coast at the top! https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/coromandel/places/coromandel-forest-park/things-to-do/kauaeranga-kauri-trail/Show more

Spectacular views all along the way! Well marked. Easy to know where the trail was at all times. Definitely a good workout too. Erosion is a bit of a problem at a few of the steeper portions, making for uneven footing, but generally the trail is well maintained. The view at the summit is worth it!Show more

Beautiful walk! Flat and easy out and back route. Parking is right in front of the trail and you can park in both ends. Best to go on a sunny day to see the blue colors and to go early as it is very popular.Show more

NOTE: Users have reported that as of July 2020, there is a partial closure on this trail.Show more

Great hike or climb. More than 1100 steps up, it’s well shaded. There's a beautiful little waterfall towards the bottom of the stairs. Great workout for a day. Trail is well maintained. The summit has a great view of the Waikato. Show more

This loop combines several tracks into a single hike. It traverses the Scottsman Gully, then a portion of the Crown Trail followed by a direct ascent to the top of Karangahake Summit. The return is via the Mountain Summit Trail that then connects back to Crown returning the same way it started. There is plenty of parking at the Karangahake Gorge swing bridge, but it can get pretty busy during the holiday season. Additional parking is available off Crown Hill Road. But if you park there it shortens the hike to exclude Scottsman Gully; which would be a miss as that portion of the trail is beautiful with cascading waters from a stream that empties into the Ohinemuri River. Most of the trail is graded and wide. The only section that is a footpath and somewhat narrow, but definitely steep is the 0.7 mile section starting clockwise for the loop. It is a constant climb and will test your cardio. At the top the views are magnificent. As far as the eyes can see towards the Coromandel and Kaimai. The plains are vast and never ending - yet the ocean is visible in the distance. The return loop is an easy downhill walk on a wide graded path. There are a few small stream crossings depending on the rain, and keep a look out for the occasional mining tunnel. This is a great alternative to the gorge walks which can get very busy at times. Show more

Fun hike with mesmerizing views. It is quite fun with the use of chains, ladders and (basic) rock climbing to traverse the mountain. Some spots are quite muddy and steep which can be tricky to deal with. However the views are worth it. Expect to get your hands dirty.Show more

To get to the start of the walk head out of Taupo on State Highway 5 towards Napier, go through the new roundabout and turn in about 3 k’s off at Mountain Road on your left hand side. The views are spectacular and well worth the hard slog. Doing the first part over the farmland is not so exciting but once up into the bush there are some great sections.Show more