Waikato River Trail

www.putaruru.co.nz

Waikato River Trail

The Waikato River is New Zealand's longest river and it wends its way through the South Waikato district from Piarere to Atiamuri.

In 2004, a 3kilometre trail from Arapuni Dam to Jones Landing was opened marking the fruition of the first stage of the dreams of a small visionary group who envisaged giving the public acccess to the River like never before.

Since then another 27 kilometres of trails have been opened up from Arapuni to Atiamuri offering walkers/cyclists breath taking reflections, views of interesting rock formations and the opportunity to walk through patches of native bush greeted by kereru and hundred of fantails.

The vision of the Waikato River Trails Trust is to have 100 kilometres of trails opened up enabling visitors to get a truly unique experience walking or biking through the South Waikato enjoying the majesty of the 'Mighty Waikato River'. Coupled with homestay accommodation, and tourism operators the dream is to create a series or trails comparable to those internationally but uniquely kiwi flavoured.

Trails

Arapuni Village To Arapuni Dam length 2 kilometres approximately 45 minutes walk one way.

Arapuni Dam to Jones Landing length 3 kilometres approximately 1hr & 45 minutes walk one way.

Whakamaru Dam to Whakamaru Reserve length 3 kilometres approximately 60 minutes walk one way.

Ongaroto BluffsTrail length 5.5kilometres approximately 2 hrs walk one way.

Whakamaru Christian Camp to Snowsill length 3kilometres

approximately 1hour 30 minutes walk one way.

Dunham Creek Mobility Trail (trail within a trail for wheel chairs and mobility scooters) length 800 metres return.

Atiamuri Trial length 13.5 kilometres approximately 4.5hours one way.

Proposed trails :

Maraetai, Waipapa, Lake Arapuni and Lake Karapiro