The Hakarimata Scenic Reserve is located 17 km north-west of Hamilton, near Ngaruawahia. It is a great place  to enjoy a walk or tramp through native bush, including kauri, in close proximity to Hamilton.

This is a good sharp training track for those wanting an offroad run with a challenge. Starting with the 1400 stairs that makes up the famous Hakarimata summit track then running down south along the Hakarimata rail trail then returning for a full loop along Waignaro Road.
The Hakarimata Summit track continues from the Waterworks Walk.

Follow the Waterworks Track to just before the dam where the track branches off to the right and climbs steeply up to meet the Hakarimata Walkway. The steps look foreboding, but the view at the top is well worth the effort. From the walkway junction, it is 5 mins to the right (north) to the summit (374 m above sea level). A new viewing tower provides 360o views of the surrounding countryside.
The Hakarimata Range includes 1,850 ha of native forest which is protected as a Scenic Reserve. There are three public access points to tracks within the reserve.

Hakarimata loop with summit platform is 8.33Km, +344m elevation and makes for great hill training.