Last updated November 2026
The Karioi Track is the steeper but more scenic of the two summit tracks on Mt Karioi, the ancient volcano south of Raglan. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC’s alert read: “There are multiple slips on Whaanga Road out to the Te Toto gorge end of the Karioi Track.
Take extra care.” The track starts from the car park on Whaanga Road, about 44 km from Hamilton. The Department of Conservation (DOC) grades it as an advanced tramping track, about 3 hours to the lookout and 3 hr 30 min to the summit (756 m). Chains and ladders help on rocky outcrops. Dogs are not allowed.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Karioi Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Mt Karioi Track car park, Whaanga Road (Te Toto gorge end)
- Distance from the city
- About 44 km from Hamilton
- Walking time
- 3 hr to the lookout; 3 hr 30 min to the summit
- Track length
- About 4.1 km (calculated from DOC’s track line)
- Grade
- Advanced tramping track
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Track type
- Tramping track
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open with a DOC alert when checked on 18 October 2026 (multiple slips on Whaanga Road out to the Te Toto gorge end). Check DOC before you go.
About Karioi Track
Once over the stile at the start, DOC says it is all uphill, with plenty of vantage points to stop and take in the view. The track passes through a grove of kānuka, climbs a grassy slope and reaches the main ridge. Chains and ladders have been installed to help with the occasional rocky outcrop.
At a large rocky bluff the track sidles north for a short distance, then climbs steadily back to the ridge. Here a 10-minute side track leads to a lookout with good views across Raglan Harbour.
From there it is about another hour along an undulating ridge to the summit at 756 m. The strong westerly wind has sculpted the vegetation, and the forest changes from kohekohe lower down to tawa, then kāmahi and tāwheowheo near the top, with miro, toro and horopito along the way.
On a fine day, DOC says you can see as far south as Mt Taranaki, the Herangi Range and Pureora, plus the local harbours and Pirongia, Maungatautari and Te Aroha. You can return the same way, or cross the mountain via the Wairake Track with transport arranged at the other end.
Track Conditions and Safety
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC’s alert warned of multiple slips on Whaanga Road out to the Te Toto gorge end, and the last 4 km of the road is unsealed, so drive with extra care.
The high-level tracks on Karioi follow steep-sided ridges, and water is hard to find, especially in summer. Carry plenty, check DOC before you go, use Plan My Walk, and tell someone your plans.
Getting There
From Bow Street in Raglan, turn onto Wainui Road. After 8 km, turn onto Whaanga Road at the roundabout. After 5.5 km you reach the car park for the Mt Karioi Track.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Karioi Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Plan My Walk (NZ Mountain Safety Council): plan your trip, check gear and share your intentions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Karioi Track take?
DOC gives about 3 hours to the lookout and 3 hr 30 min to the summit.
How high is Mt Karioi?
DOC gives the summit as 756 m.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it as an advanced tramping track. It is steep, with chains and ladders on rocky outcrops.
Is the access road open?
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC’s alert warned of multiple slips on Whaanga Road out to the Te Toto gorge end and said to take extra care. Check DOC before you go.
What can I see from the top?
On a fine day, Mt Taranaki, the Herangi Range and Pureora, plus the local harbours and Pirongia, Maungatautari and Te Aroha.
Can I take my dog?
No. Dogs are not allowed.
Is there a gentler way up?
Yes. DOC says the Wairake Track is shorter and less steep, though without the same views.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
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.