Programme Overview

The Kakepuku Track in Kakepuku Historic Reserve climbs up through bush to the summit of Kakepuku, an old volcano.
Magnificent views of the surrounding Waipa-Waikato landscape and fascinating panels with historical and geological information reward your efforts at the summit.

Track Overview:
Walking and Tramping: 2-3 hr return - Advanced Tramping track

Description:
From the car park there is a new walking track to the summit. This track is an old farm road and is of an easy gradient. (The old track has been closed).
This new track incorporates the mountain biking track for part of the way - mountain bikers and walkers share the bottom 3/4 of the track.
Once at the top continue along a ridge through a fine remnant of original forest in the ancient crater and finally onto the summit itself (449 m). Climb a few last steps to the top of the new lookout tower.

Getting there:
Off Kakepuku Mountain Road

Mountain Biking:
The new track incorporates the mountain biking track for part of the way - mountain bikers and walkers share the bottom 3/4 of the track.

Nature and conservation:
Sights and sounds of tui and kereru can be found and heard in the Kakepuku Historic Reserve. Look out for North Island robins, 30 of which were released here in 1999.
The plant species in the reserve included tawa, rewarewa, kohekohe, mangeao and puatea.

Know before you go:
Dogs are prohibited from all Waikato area tracks except for certified guide dogs and permitted hunting dogs.