Karioi
Karioi mountain
The volcanic summit of Karioi stands guard over one of New Zealand’s most famous surf beaches, at Raglan. After a successful peak bagging expedition up Karioi, you can reward yourself with a swim, surf, or perhaps just a cool drink in the nearby Raglan township.
There are two ways that you can approach the top of Karioi – from the Whaanga Road near Te Toto Gorge (for the Mt Karioi Track) or the carpark off Ruapuke Road (for the Wairake Track). The Mt Karioi track is longer, but more interesting, while the Wairake Track is shorter. Great views of the Waikato can be seen from the top.
| List Status | Official |
| Elevation | 756 m (2,480 ft) |
| Location/List | North Island, New Zealand |
| Region | Waikato/Coromandel |
| Location Coordinates | 37° 51′ 52″ S, 174° 48′ 6″ E |
| Nearest Town/s | Raglan, Hamilton
|
| Geology | Volcano |
| Translation | Karioi: to loiter |
| Recommended Route | |
|---|---|
Duration  |
6 hours (return) |
| Distance | 7.4 km (4.6 mi) |
| Start/End Points | Whaanga Road near Te Toto Gorge (for the Mt Karioi Track) or the carpark off Ruapuke Road (for the Wairake Track) |
| Difficulty |
Medium |
| Track conditions |
Track, Ladders/Ropes |
| Season |
All year (August to November there may be lambing) |
| Sights | Views, Volcanic landscape, Bush , lookout with views of the Waikato and other volcanic mountains |
| Hazards | Mud , Changeable weather |
Google Earth Map
- You can also
view Karioi in Google Earth
NZ Topographic Map
Our Recommended Route
We will describe the Karioi Track as our recommended route.
After parking at the Te Toto Gorge carpark, climb over the stile at the start of the track. The track climbs steadily upwards. Along the way there are lots of good viewpoints where you can stop and admire the scenery.
You will walk through an open grove of kanuka and cross a grassy slope before ascending the main ridge. Occasionally you will come to rocky outcrops, where chains and ladders have been installed to help you negotiate your way past.
You will eventually reach a junction with signpost to a lookout (10 minutes down a short side track). From the lookout junction it is another hour until you reach the summit. The summit provides amazing views of the Waikato and you can see the other volcanic mountains in the region, as well as the local harbours.
Return the way you came to the carpark at Te Toto Gorge. Alternatively if someone is picking you up you could continue on and get them to pick you up at Ruapuke Road down the Wairake Track.
Height Profile
