Karaka Trail

KARAKA TRACK - DUAL USE MTB & HIKING

Follow the Karaka road behind the Thames Hospital and head right just before the bridge that crosses the Karaka stream and collarbone road.  There is a gravel carpark just before the bridge.  The Karaka track is accessed up what looks like a private drive way but is signposted as a DOC Hiking track.  This is a dual purpose track for both MTB riding and Hiking.

The is a 6km advance grade trail. You can ride approximately 4.5 kms up to the stunning Red cliffs where amazing views can be had looking up into the top of the Kauaeranga valley. From the Red cliffs, the trail has not had any work done on it so is not ridable.
When riding from the bottom, once you get past the 2nd bridge that runs over the Karaka stream, it gets very step with a few sections requiring pushing (unless on an e-bike).

The section of trail from the Red Bluff's through to the intersection of the Karaka and Waiotahi hiking track is extremely rough and only around 40% ridable with lots of sections requiring dismounting and pushing of your bike up and over slip sections and obstacles.