Explore the mighty Kaimai Ranges

The Kaimai Ranges, visible from the Hobbiton Movie Set towering in the distance, are home to a wide range of walking tracks that offer adventure and stunning views.

Mt Te Aroha Whakapipi Lookout & Summit Track

For keen hikers, the Mt Te Aroha Whakapipi Lookout & Summit Track provides panoramic views over the Hauraki Plains. The Summit Track starts at the Mokena Geyser in the Te Aroha Domain and quickly ascends to the Whakapipi Lookout. The hike to the lookout takes about 45 minutes. From there, the track continues through a small saddle and then climbs steeply for another two hours to reach the summit.

From the top, walkers are rewarded with 360-degree views across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions, with Mt Ruapehu, Mt Ngauruhoe, and Mt Taranaki visible on a clear day.

For more details see the Department of Conservation website.

Waiorongomai Valley Walks

For a shorter adventure in the Kaimai Ranges near Te Aroha, explore the Waiorongomai Valley, a historically significant gold mining area within the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park. The valley offers numerous walking trails that pass through key historic gold mining sites.

Highlights include the Piako County Tramway, New Zealand’s oldest bush tramway, with original rail still in place, along with remnants of mining machinery, mine shafts, and miners’ lodgings.

The area features a variety of walking options:

  • Fern Spur Incline and Low Level Loop - suitable for older children
  • Base of the Fern Spur Incline walk - ideal for younger children and families with strollers

The Low Level Loop explores key sites around the lower Waiorongomai goldfields, while the Butlers Incline to Premier Creek Track follows tramways and tunnels deeper into the valley. Other options include the New Era Branch Track, the more challenging Kauri Grove Track with regenerating kauri forest, and the High Level Pack Track, which passes waterfalls, mine portals, and the historic mining camp of Quartzville.

For more details see the Department of Conservation website.

Te Waihou Walkway and The Blue Springs

Visit the picturesque, crystal-clear waters of the Blue Springs, one of South Waikato’s must-see natural attractions and just a 30-minute drive from Matamata. The Blue Springs form part of the Te Waihou Walkway, which can be accessed from two different entry points.

For a longer walk, start from Whites Road, Putaruru, and complete the full Te Waihou Walkway, which is just over a 10km round trip. For a shorter option, begin at Leslie Road, Putaruru, and enjoy an easy 30-minute return walk to the Blue Springs.

The walkway ranges from flat, easy walking to a few steeper sections, with steps and boardwalks through wetland areas, making it suitable for most fitness levels.

Sightseeing by Bicycle in the Waikato

Discover unforgettable cycling adventures in the Waikato region, perfect for riders of all skill levels and fitness abilities.

The Hauraki Rail Trail:
The Hauraki Rail Trail is a 160km cycle trail that makes an excellent 4-5 day ride. Stretching from Kaiaua on the Coromandel Peninsula through Thames and Waihi to the towns of Te Aroha and Matamata, the trail follows historic railway lines and showcases stunning scenery.

One of New Zealand’s easiest Great Rides, the gentle gradient makes it ideal for relaxed cycling and family-friendly adventures.


Te Awa River Ride:
The Te Awa River Ride is a scenic cycling trail of over 65km, running between Ngāruawāhia and Karapiro, just south of Lake Karapiro. The route weaves through rural and urban landscapes, passing waterfalls, historic Māori sites, and vibrant cafes and shops.

Cyclists can enjoy shorter sections, such as the popular ride from Hamilton Gardens to Ngāruawāhia, or between Cambridge and Lake Karapiro. The wide, smooth, and mostly flat track makes Te Awa suitable for cyclists of all experience levels. The full trail follows the Waikato River from Ngāruawāhia in the north to Karapiro in the south.

For more information see the New Zealand Cycle Trails website.

There is so much to see and do in the area while visiting our slice of real Middle-earth. For for ideas and inspiration, visit www.waikatonz.com

We look forward to welcoming you to the Mighty Waikato soon!