Maramarua: State Highway Two and Hunt Tradition

Maramarua between the road and tradition

Maramarua is located on State Highway Two, which connects Auckland with Tauranga and the Coromandel. At the same time, the Maramarua Hunt shapes the town as a local tradition. Its location on the highway and its history offer two concrete points to consider when planning your trip. When looking for a holiday home, you can consider which of these highlights better suits your stay.

The Maramarua Hunt and how it works

The Maramarua Hunt Club was founded in 1932. The Maramarua Hunt is considered a prestigious event in the hunting calendar and a defining feature of the town. At the Hunt, the speeches are given on foot before participants ride out. If you would like to include the Hunt in your travel plans, check the times and schedule for the specific gathering in advance.

Nature in the wider Waikato District

In the wider destination of the Waikato District lies Whangamarino Wetland, a mosaic of nearly 7,000 hectares of swamps, fens, bogs and open water around the Whangamarino and Maramarua rivers. Because of its outstanding biodiversity, the wetland is designated as an international Ramsar site. It can be explored by boat or kayak from boat ramps on both roads; access to the wetland by car is not possible. As access conditions may vary, check them before your trip.

The Waikato District also offers other nature experiences near Ngāruawāhia: Hakarimata Scenic Reserve has trails through native bush and offers views of kauri trees. The Hakarimata Summit Track climbs to an elevation of 374 metres; from the lookout tower, views extend to the coast, across the Waikato Basin and towards Ruapehu. You can choose between a walk through the bush and views from the tower as two different nature experiences.

Trails for different day-trip plans

The Hakarimata Rail Trail is a family-friendly walking and cycling trail. It follows the former railway line between Ngāruawāhia and Glen Massey to attractive stream cascades. The Te Awa River Ride offers a different type of route: the 65-kilometre paved trail runs along the Waikato River from Ngāruawāhia to Lake Karapiro and is designed for cycling and walking.

The Piipiiwharauroa Trail crosses the grounds of Te Uku Wind Farm. The 18-kilometre return trip is said to take about four hours on foot and about two hours by bicycle. This lets you compare the approximate time for the same route depending on your chosen mode of transport. Access conditions and wind farm operations may vary; check both before setting out.

The wider Waikato District also has a cultural history: Pōtatau Te Wherowhero Monument and Kīngitanga Reserve in Ngāruawāhia form part of a larger landscape of historical, cultural and archaeological significance.

Discover more destinations: Ngāruawāhia, Te Kowhai, Te Kauwhata, Huntly, Raglan, Waingaro, Taupiri, Newstead.

For the wider travel overview: Waikato District.