Hakarimata Reserve
Behind the camp property is the Hakarimata range and the scenic reserve, where 1602 hectares of public land have been set aside. All birds, native animals, plants and geological formations are protected, both in the reserve and in the camp property. The tops and ridges contain occasional large rimu and rata over abundant tawa and kohekohe, and frequent hinau, rewarewa, mangeao and pukatea, with pockets of miro, Hall's totara and tanekaha. Visit www.doc.govt.nz and search Hakarimata Scenic Reserve for more information and track maps.
Walk One: Hakarimata Rail Trail (50 mins). Turn right out of camp and enter the gravel car park just past Perrys Quarry. The walk follows an old railway line that was used until the 1950's to transport coal from Glen Massey. Very easy, flat walk to the picnic area. At the picnic area, it is well worth taking 10 minutes to go up the few steps and along the track to the next bridge, then taking the track to the left up to the cascades.
Walk Two: Waterworks Track (1 hr). Starts from Brownlee Ave, just north of the Waipa River bridge on Hakarimata/ Waingaro Road. The old reservoir holds 750,000 litres of water and was once the water supply for Ngaruawahia. The track is an easy gradient with an all-weather metalled surface. Beyond the dam is the track to the summit of the Hakarimata range, where the track changes to a tramping track and is a lot more steep.
Walk Three: Hakarimata Summit Track (3 hrs). There are many ways to the summit from camp. You can follow on the track from the reservoir. This follows a number of steps to the top. You may return the same way or turn south along the ridge and follow the track to CYC. The track down can be slippery and steep at times. You may also do the track in reverse to avoid the steps up. For a longer tramp you may start at the rail trail track and make your way from there (add an extra 2 hrs). At the summit is a lookout tower which provides full views in all directions. On a clear day you will be able to see Mt Ruapehu.
​Walk Four: Hakarimata Walkway (8 hrs). This track runs along the crest of the Hakarimata range and can be walked in either direction. Either follow on from the Hakarimata Rail Trail and finish at the northern end of Parker Road or visa versa. Transport will be needed to either drop off or pick up at the start/ finish of the walk. This walk is part of Te Araroa - a walking trail from Cape Reinga to Bluff.
Walk Four: Bush pool tracks. Below the camp bush pool are some short easy grade tracks through the valley across the stream. On all walks please keep your party to the tracks and observe the Scenic Reserve notices.
Walk Five: Waterfall/ Glow Worm track (30 mins). Begins in the top corner of the top paddock behind Camp One and comes out at the top of the central paddock above the lookout. You may also do this track in reverse. The track is fairly level, well formed and easy. At night there are large numbers of glow worms on this track.
Walk Six: Zigzag track (45 mins) Continues on from the Waterfall/ Glow Worm, leaving it part way along taking you up and around the camp boundary to descend down to Camp Two above the team building course.