Last updated November 2026
The Waterworks Walk is an easy and popular walk in Hakarimata Scenic Reserve, through native bush alongside the Mangarata Stream to an old dam. It starts on Brownlee Avenue, about 1 km north of Ngāruawāhia and about 19 km from Hamilton.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) grades it as an easy short walk, 1 km return and about 1 hour return. The track has an easy gradient and an all-weather surface, passing a waterfall on 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 Waterworks Walk on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Brownlee Avenue, off Hakarimata Road, about 1 km north of Ngāruawāhia
- Distance from the city
- About 19 km from Hamilton
- Walking time
- 1 hr return
- Track length
- 1 km return via the same track
- Grade
- Easy short walk
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Track type
- Walking track
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
- 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 Waterworks Walk
The walk follows the Mangarata Stream through native bush on an easy, all-weather track. Along the way you pass a waterfall, and the track then continues past stairs to the old dam.
The dam held the town’s water. DOC’s history notes say the 750,000 litre reservoir, built in 1922, was once the water supply for Ngāruawāhia.
With an easy grade and all-weather surface, it is a short bush and stream walk close to Ngāruawāhia. For more of a challenge, the Hakarimata Summit Track continues on from the end of the Waterworks Walk.
Track Conditions
The gradient is easy, but DOC warns to be alert for falling rocks on the narrower parts of the track between the waterfall and the stairs. Do not stop on those sections, and take extra care in bad weather, when falling rocks are more likely. Check DOC before you go.
Protect the Kauri
There is a cleaning station at the start of the track. DOC asks walkers to clean their shoes before coming, scrub all soil off shoes and gear, use the cleaning stations and stay on the track to help stop the spread of kauri dieback.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Waterworks Walk?
DOC gives 1 km return, about 1 hour return.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it as an easy short walk with an easy gradient and all-weather surface.
Where does it start?
On Brownlee Avenue, off Hakarimata Road, about 1 km north of Ngāruawāhia.
Can I take my dog?
No. Dogs are not allowed.
What is at the end?
An old dam. The 750,000 litre reservoir, built in 1922, was once Ngāruawāhia’s water supply.
Is there a waterfall?
Yes. The track passes a waterfall before the stairs.
Can I walk further?
Yes. The Hakarimata Summit Track continues on from the end of the Waterworks Walk.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 2
- Department of Conservation: Waterworks Walk: 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 Summit 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.