Last Updated: 2nd Mar 2026
Kakepuku Track (downhill half of the loop)
Last Updated: 2nd Mar 2026
Closed More info
All tracks on mountain are currently closed due to storm damage, and there's a big slip on the old track.
(Permanent notice: the ascent section uses the old track which is officially closed but normally still accessible.)
Please notify us if this has changed.
Grunt Factor: 14 ?
Gnarl Factor: 41 ?
6.6km
490m
495m
Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Mountainous
Native bush
Open farmlands
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +14.80%
Average Downhill Gradient: -14.80%
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1:30
Slow
1:15
Moderate
1:00
Fast
From the car park head up the main Kakepuku Track. Turn left at the first lookout tower, through the open farm gate. Please note that access to the old track is through private farmland.
Follow the unmarked track through long grass till you reach the treeline. Follow the orange triangle markers up the mountain. The old track is no longer maintained by DOC (officially closed but still accessible) so there may be fallen trees etc. across the track to climb over. When you reach the top you are rewarded with a fantastic view of Pirongia on a clear day.
Keep following the boardwalk to head down the mountain. The main track is less technical and makes for easy downhill running.
This trail includes the peak Kakepuku.
Part of the Alexandra Volcanic Group of extinct volcanoes in the Waikato Region. Hikurangi Pā site.
Long drops just past the beginning of the trail on the right.
Car park is located at Kakepuku Historic Reserve entrance on Kakepuku Road.
5 km
9 minutes
No
No
Easy.
The entrance to the old track is overgrown with long grass and easy to miss. Turn left at the first lookout tower.
Patchy.
Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
None.
Slippery after rain.
Fallen trees, lots of roots and rocks.
Do you have a suggestion on where to go afterwards for the best coffee / cake / breakfast / brunch / beer?
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Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Kahu's Loop
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These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.
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