On-leadHard
The Great New Zealand River Ride: Ngaruawhia- Karapiro
Ngaruawahia · Waikato · Point to Point
↑ 210 m gain↓ 166 m descenthigh 82 msteepest 4 %
DISTANCE64.9 km
ASCENT210 m
DURATION16.5–18 hr
STEEPEST4 %
ROUTEPoint to Point
RATING · HIKERS 4.3 · 9
DOG EFFORT3.2 /5 paws
PARKING90 m away
Nearest emergency vetWaikato After Hours Veterinary Hospital (WAVH), Hamilton
07 839 5656
The route
Good to know
On the lead here. Keep it to two metres or less and watch for ground-nesting birds, as on most NZ tracks.
River swim spotsOpen track, carry water for the dogPaw-friendly sealed surface2 kissing gates on routeStile on route
Check the water before the dog swims. Toxic algae blooms in NZ rivers and lakes can kill a dog within hours. Scan the LAWA water quality map in warm months and keep dogs away from dark slime on rocks.
A multi-day expedition, not an afternoon walk. Plan for huts, weather and full backcountry gear.
About The Great New Zealand River Ride: Ngaruawhia- Karapiro
Near Ngaruawahia in Waikato, The Great New Zealand River Ride: Ngaruawhia- Karapiro runs 64.9 km as a point-to-point.
Expect hard going, with around 210 m of climb, pitching up to 4 % at its steepest, and takes about 16.5–18 hr to walk.
Walkers come for river frontage, big views, and town-edge walking. Dogs are welcome here on the lead. Hikers rate it 4.3 / 5 across 9 reviews.