Last updated November 2026
The Hakarimata Rail Trail is a family walking and cycling track in Hakarimata Scenic Reserve that follows the route of the former Ngāruawāhia/Glen Massey railway to attractive stream cascades. It starts from Waingaro Road, about 3 km south of Ngāruawāhia and about 18 km from Hamilton.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) grades it as an easy short walk, 1.5 km and 30 minutes one way, and a Grade 1 mountain bike ride. There is a picnic site with toilets along the way. Dogs are not allowed.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Hakarimata Rail Trail on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Waingaro Road, off Hakarimata Road, about 3 km south of Ngāruawāhia
- Distance from the city
- About 18 km from Hamilton
- Walking time
- 30 min one way
- Track length
- 1.5 km one way
- Grade
- Easy short walk
- Mountain biking
- Grade 1 (shared-use track)
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Wheelchairs
- No longer suitable until repaired after weather damage
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About Hakarimata Rail Trail
The trail follows the line of the old Ngāruawāhia to Glen Massey railway, which closed in the 1950s along with the Glen Massey coal mine.
From the car park to the first bridge you pass a wetland restoration site that is part of Perry Quarry. The trail then follows Firewood Creek through an area being replanted, reaching a picnic site with toilets. From there a short walk leads to the stream cascades, which is also the start of the southern section of the Hakarimata Walkway.
The trail is shared with cyclists, so follow the mountain bikers’ code: respect others, respect the rules and respect the track. Return the same way.
It is a gentle outing for families, young riders and anyone after an easy walk close to Ngāruawāhia.
History of the Glen Massey Line
DOC’s history notes tell the story of the 1933 train crash on this line. In wet conditions, a coal-laden train and its carriages ran away from the Glen Massey shunting yard.
The driver stayed aboard to sound the whistle and warn people along the line, and to try to regain control, choosing not to jump when he could. The train jumped the bridge at Firewood Creek and crashed into the stream, and the driver was killed.
DOC plans to extend the trail along Firewood Creek to the crash site, ending at the remains of the locomotive.
Know Before You Go
Firewood Creek is a long-term native fish monitoring site, so stay on the walkway and keep out of the upper creek. DOC says the track is no longer suitable for wheelchairs until it is repaired after significant weather events. To help stop kauri dieback, scrub all soil off shoes and gear, use the cleaning stations and stay on the track.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Hakarimata Rail Trail?
DOC gives 1.5 km and 30 minutes one way. Return the same way.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it as an easy short walk.
Can I bike it?
Yes. It is a shared-use, Grade 1 mountain bike track.
Can I take my dog?
No. Dogs are not allowed.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Not at the moment. DOC says it is no longer suitable for wheelchairs until it is repaired after significant weather events.
Are there toilets?
Yes, at the picnic site along the trail.
Where does it start?
On Waingaro Road, off Hakarimata Road, about 3 km south of Ngāruawāhia.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 2
- Department of Conservation: Hakarimata Rail Trail: 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: Hakarimata Scenic Reserve: other tracks in the reserve, including the Hakarimata Walkway.
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.