Great short walks in the Hamilton & Waikato region

Known for its scenic diversity, the Hamilton & Waikato region offers myriad options for those keen on short treks through nature reserves. The Hamilton & Waikato region’s main city of Hamilton provides an ideal base for exploring, with a variety of city walks as well as mountain tracks and wetland trails, all accessible within a 45-minute drive. The city’s CBD river and lakeside paths are also part of Te Araroa (The Long Pathway), a continuous 3,000 km walking track along the length of New Zealand.

Forty minutes south of Hamilton, the Sanctuary Mountain (Maungatautari Ecological Reserve) provides extra interest for walkers due to the native flora and fauna being released and regenerated in the special predator-free environment. The reserve’s Southern Enclosure is perfect for one to two hour walk and the 16-metre-high forest canopy viewing tower allows visitors to get up close to native birds such as kaka, hihi, kereru and tui. Recognised as an internationally significant restoration project, the 3,400-hectare reserve’s guided night tours also provide the rare chance to experience the magical atmosphere of a New Zealand forest at night.


Clear mountain streams and waterfall walks are never far away either, including Bridal Veil Falls near Raglan and the impressive 153-metre-high Wairere Falls near Matamata. South Waikato’s Waihou Stream is the focus of another great short walk with its stunning crystal clear and bright blue water due to the purity of the spring water, which has been underground for up to 100 years.
For those who like a little luxury after a trek, Mount Te Aroha is the perfect spot as there is bonus of natural hot pools at its base. This is the ideal spot to soothe aching muscles after exploring old gold mining pack tracks and tramways, crossing rivers and streams, and taking in 360 degree summit views over the Waikato Basin, Bay of Plenty and Hauraki Plains.

Meanwhile, at the Waikato River Trails, walkers and cyclists share the track passing through the diverse terrain, including riverbank-hugging boardwalks, swing bridges and historical landmarks. Suitable for all age groups and levels of fitness, this series of one-hour to one-day trails will eventually cover 100 km and make for an iconic New Zealand experience.