Just a 10-minute drive west from Hamilton Centre, we love running in the Taitua Arboretum and the scenic walkway to Till’s Lookout. The 20-hectatre Arboretum features more than 1500 species of indigenous and
exotic trees and shrubs. To make this a longer run, we add the Te Araroa Walkway, a verdant path with great views of Mt Pirongia. Note: hilly.
Arboretum. Flickr.
Start at the main parking area of the Arboretum. A loop of the main walkway is ~2 km. There are some additional paths in the arboretum. This map shows the paths and the features/sections of the Arboretum. Following the loop, take the walking path/cycle way just south of the car park and head east. The gravel path is scenic & verdant rolling hills, with great views. It’s ~2.5 km to Till’s Lookout. Retrace your steps the Wallace Rd. entrance and back to the start.
Note: The Arboretum is free and and open 8am to 30 minutes before sunset. There’s parking and restrooms.
Just a 10-minute drive west from Hamilton Centre, we love running in the Taitua Arboretum and the scenic walkway to Till’s Lookout. The 20-hectatre Arboretum features more than 1500 species of indigenous and
exotic trees and shrubs. To make this a longer run, we add the Te Araroa Walkway, a verdant path with great views of Mt Pirongia. Note: hilly.
Arboretum. Flickr.
Start at the main parking area of the Arboretum. A loop of the main walkway is ~2 km. There are some additional paths in the arboretum. This map shows the paths and the features/sections of the Arboretum. Following the loop, take the walking path/cycle way just south of the car park and head east. The gravel path is scenic & verdant rolling hills, with great views. It’s ~2.5 km to Till’s Lookout. Retrace your steps the Wallace Rd. entrance and back to the start.
Note: The Arboretum is free and and open 8am to 30 minutes before sunset. There’s parking and restrooms.
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Essentials
7.2 km (4.5 miles)
100m (326 feet)
Arboretum entrance
Parking area & restrooms. Openm 8am to 30 minutes before dusk
Scenic multi-use paths along the Waikato River. Park-like atmosphere with nice water views. West bank paths are the most continuous -- nearly 25 km combining River Walk & Te Awa Trail. We've also mapped a 9 km loop.
Popular 3.7 km loop around Lake Rotoroa/Hamilton Lake on concrete paths. Park-like the whole way with nice water views. Located just west of Hamilton Central. Can add with Waikato River paths.
A lovely run combining a loop around Hamilton Gardens -- a beautifully landscaped botanic garden and a popular visitor spot -- with a section of a trail on the east side of the Waitako River through Hammond Park. Overall a 10k run!
Easier & more challenging running options in The Mt. Hakarimata Reserve area: a flat 1.5 km rail trail through lush forest; a 2km out & back to the Summit climbing 335m & 1349 steps; and a loop involving a section of the 12 km Hakarimata Walkway.
In East Hamilton, enjoy a route combining Claudelands Park, Jubilee Park, Parana Park, and east bank River Walk paths. Another option is a 3-4 km loop around the University of Waikato, which has paths around three small lakes and a large open field.
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Essentials
7.2 km (4.5 miles)
100m (326 feet)
Arboretum entrance
Parking area & restrooms. Openm 8am to 30 minutes before dusk
Review or Comment on This Route/Share a Photo!
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!