Te Araroa: Rangiriri Bridge to Mercer
Te Araroa, New Zealand's long-distance walking trail, provides a scenic route along the Waikato River from central Hamilton to Mercer in the Waikato region. One easily accessible section is from Rangiriri to Mercer, a surprisingly peaceful rural escape from the busy Waikato Expressway.
Starting Your Journey
Begin your walk on the west side of the Rangiriri Bridge, where you'll find a car park and boat access ramp. From here, proceed a short distance along Churchill East Road until you reach the trail access through a nearby farm. Be prepared to encounter some curious and friendly cows along the way.
Walking the Trail
The trail offers an easy walk alongside the Waikato River, but it requires a solid day's effort to reach Mercer. For the first 12 km, Churchill East Road runs parallel to the trail, allowing for convenient pick-up points. After passing a water pumping station, road access becomes limited until you reach Hampton Downs, 6 km further along. From there, it's another 6 km to the Meremere Dragway.
How to Get There
To reach the start of this section of Te Araroa, drive to the west side of the Rangiriri Bridge, where parking is available. The trailhead is accessible via Churchill East Road, with clear signage to guide you.
Once you complete this section, consider exploring nearby attractions, such as the Huntly Lakes, Taupiri Pass Scientific Reserve, and the Hakarimata Loop Track and Hakarimata Walkway in the text for more outdoor adventures.
