Programme Overview
Superb 360 degree views and impressive limestone bluffs are features of this walk.
Track Overview:
One way track. Walking and tramping - 25 min to 3 hr. Advanced tramping track.
Seasonal restrictions: Reserve is closed annually over lambing season, 1 August to mid November.
Description:
This walkway provides an opportunity to walk over farmland with sheep, cattle and goats close at hand. It is best to begin at the Four Brothers Scenic Reserve carpark on the Hamilton-Raglan Highway (State Highway 23). A moderate climb through bush leads to the Reserve's southern boundary and open farmland. From this point you will be crossing privately owned land, so please respect the owner's rights.
Track times:
You can choose to do the whole walkway, one section of it, or simply wander up to enjoy the view then return to the carpark.
- Four Brothers Track: State Highway 23 to Reserve Boundary - 25 mins
- Karamu Walkway North: State Highway 23 to Old Mountain Rd - 1 hr
- Karamu Walkway South: Old Mountain Rd to Limeworks Loop Rd - 2 hr 30 mins - 3 hrs
Karamu Walkway North:
Time: 1 hr one way
Start from the car park on the Hamilton-Raglan Highway along the Four Brothers Track before crossing open farmland. This section of the walkway is across private land so please respect the owners rights. Follow the white posts and orange markers along the main ridge to Old Mountain Rd. There are great views of the Hakarimata Range in the North, Karioi and the coast to the west, Pirongia to the south and Hamilton city to the east.
Karamu Walkway South:
Time: 2 hrs 30 mins - 3 hr one way
This section of walkway starts on the south side of Old Mountain Rd. After an initial climb you cross gently-rolling pasture studded with outcrops of limestone before dropping down to a bush remnant at the southern end of the track. The track descends steeply in places through the bush (slippery when wet) and then down a farm road to the grassy flats, with some large Totara and Kahikatea along the way. Follow the markers above the limeworks mill to the car-park and then out to Fillery Road. Don't cross the swing-bridge over the Kaniwhaniwha Stream which has been closed and is due for removal.
Please note: to access Karamu Walkway from the Karamu end, turn off Limeworks Loop Rd on the Fillery Rd, cross the one-lane bridge then follow the signs along a farm track to the carpark.
If you don't want to retrace your steps back along the track you will need to arrange transport from either Limeworks Loop Rd or Old Mountain Rd.
Getting there:
Begins from the Four Brothers Scenic Reserve, on the Hamilton-Raglan highway (State Highway 23) or from Limeworks Loop Rd.