Last updated November 2026
The Four Brothers Track is a short climb through bush in the Four Brothers Scenic Reserve on the Hamilton-Raglan road, about 20 km from Hamilton.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC’s page for this track carried a lambing closure alert: “The Karamu Walkway (both north and south ends) is closed until 31 October 2026 for the lambing season.” DOC also says the reserve closes from 1 August to 31 October every year for lambing, so check DOC before you go.
When open, the track climbs to the reserve’s southern boundary, open farmland and good views, and is the start of Karamū Walkway North. The Department of Conservation (DOC) grades it as an easy to intermediate walking track, 630 m one way and 15 minutes. Dogs are not allowed.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Four Brothers Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Four Brothers Scenic Reserve car park, State Highway 23
- Distance from the city
- About 20 km from Hamilton
- Walking time
- 15 min one way
- Track length
- 630 m one way
- Grade
- Easy to intermediate walking track
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Seasonal closure
- Reserve closes 1 August to 31 October each year for lambing
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Closed when checked on 18 October 2026 (lambing season: DOC’s alert on this track’s page says the Karamu Walkway is closed until 31 October 2026). Check DOC for reopening.
- Track markers
- On marked bush tracks, DOC and most councils use orange triangles for the walking route. Triangles or tape in other colours, usually pink or blue, mark pest-control lines and traps. They can lead off the track, so don’t follow them.
About Four Brothers Track
This is a quick outing. From the car park, DOC describes a moderate 15-minute climb through bush to the southern boundary of the reserve, where the trees give way to open farmland and good views.
It works as a short leg-stretch on the drive between Hamilton and Raglan, or as the first part of a longer walk. At the top, Karamū Walkway North carries on across the farmland ridge to Old Mountain Road, and Karamū Walkway South continues from there.
The track suits most walkers who are happy with a short uphill section. Allow a little extra time if you want to linger at the viewpoint.
Lambing Closure
The reserve closes from 1 August to 31 October every year for lambing, and DOC says dates may change, with an alert posted when the walk is closed.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, the alert on DOC’s page for this track read: “The Karamu Walkway (both north and south ends) is closed until 31 October 2026 for the lambing season.” Check DOC before you go.
Know Before You Go
The track leads onto farmland used by the Karamū Walkway. Keep to the marked route, leave stock alone (bulls may be present), use stiles rather than gates, and avoid farm buildings. Do not take dogs or firearms, and avoid the walkway after dark. Tell someone your plans.
Getting There
DOC places the Four Brothers Scenic Reserve on the Hamilton-Raglan highway (State Highway 23), about 20 km from Hamilton and 25 km from Raglan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Four Brothers Track?
DOC gives 630 m one way, about 15 minutes.
Is the track open?
The reserve closes from 1 August to 31 October every year for lambing. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC’s page for this track carried a lambing closure alert for the Karamu Walkway until 31 October 2026. Check the DOC page for the current alert.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it as an easy to intermediate walking track, with a moderate climb through bush.
Where does it start?
At the Four Brothers Scenic Reserve car park on State Highway 23, between Hamilton and Raglan.
Can I take my dog?
No. Dogs are not allowed.
Where does it lead?
To the reserve’s southern boundary and open farmland, where Karamū Walkway North begins.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 2
- Department of Conservation: Four Brothers Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
- Department of Conservation: Karamū Walkway North: the farmland walkway that starts at the end of this track.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.