Kauri Loop Track

Great walk up through the Kauri grove to the ridge of the Hakarimata Range. It's much quieter than the Southern end Hakarimata Steps and it's about 6.5 h 12.5km end to end, from the Parker Rd car park to the bottom of the Steps at Brownlee Rd.

2 options to get to the top,for those less fit choose the loop option as there are plenty of rest spots and amazing Kauri trees to view. The summit is well worth the effort. View pic is taken from the lower summit.

I'm recovering from spinal surgery and need to challenge myself and build fitness. This climb certainly did that. The track forks off after about 200 metres but we carried on the steep path up. In places the stairs seemed more like a ladder! After 900m, we came to the top of the ridge and that showed we had another 120m to the upper viewing point. At the top, Waikato's foggy winter weather provided an almost total whiteout at first but just for a few moments as I had my camera out, some fog lifted and we were rewarded with great views of some peaks.On the way down, we headed left and took the easier but longer route down (1.7km).Not easy but also not onerous; kids may complain if you go straight up as we did. If you do take kids, I'd recommend taking the first right fork you come to.

The main loop trail is very well defined. If you take the trail from upper lookout to southern lookout, prepare for a bit of a challenge but nothing a moderate hiker can't overcome. Short trail overall but very steep! Make sure to have water on hand during!

Medium to easy track with Giant Kauri tree and Kauri Grove. The loop is about 40 minutes. We really enjoy the Last Kauri. It’s like a quiet giant. As a history fan, I kept on thinking what happened in the last Millennium. When we have a different perspective, you can see they are the owner of the planet.

Great short walk, number of steps but does have seats to enjoy. The Kauri Grove is a wonderful site, and the mature trees are a fantastic site. The track and signage are great. the view from the top lookout is worth the extra few minutes walk, highly recommended walk.

Easy walk, allow 1.5hr return to upper lookout with stops.Not bad for a quick track. Has few steps.

So called 'easy' first stage to Kauri loop option turnoff is 248 steep steps.Then it gets harder if you choose the go left option!Fitness tester indeed!But, track and steps in good condition.Lookouts (Lower & Upper) give fantastic views on a fine day.

This is an easy two hour loop wagon with lots to see and stop for along the way. The initial bit is a little steep with stroud but it isn't for too long. The Kuari tree is quite amazing and the best bit is the view from the upper lookout.