Picturesque Four Brothers!
With summer around the corner we are sharing some special Waikato spots we have found in the areas where our honeys are harvested. This time I'm going to focus on the Four Brothers Reserve area. The Four Brothers Reserve is between Hamilton and Raglan at the top of the deviation. It's a beautiful scenic drive from Hamilton to Raglan with quite a few gems to see along the way, including:
The Village Cafe & Hub
Either on your way out of Hamilton or on your way back it's definitely worth stopping into the The Village Cafe & hub. The Village Cafe is a rural rustic delight. Set in a picturesque garden environment complete with a back to basics styled playground, a truly fun experience for children while the caregivers relax
Wild River & Co
Located right next to the cafe is Wild River & Co florists. The shop is a great place to buy handmade NZ gifts.
The Village Pop-Up Shop
Across from the cafe there are two cabins that are used as Pop Up stores.
Four Brothers Reserve Walkway
Start at the Four Brothers Scenic Reserve car park on the Hamilton-Raglan highway. This is a moderate 15 minute climb through bush that leads to the reserve's southern boundary with open farmland and good views.
Karamu Walkway North
Carrying along the farmland at the end of the Four Brothers track you follow the white posts and orange markers along the main ridge to Old Mountain Road. There are great views of the Hakarimata Range in the north, Karioi and the coast to the west, Pirongia to the south and Hamilton City to the east. This walk is 1.5 hours one way.
There is the Karamu Walkway South starting at Old Mountain Road or Limeworks Loop Road as well, check the details out here, this is a 3-4 hour walk.
Please note these walks are on private land with sheep, these tracks are closed from August - November due to lambing.
Ed Hillary Hope Forest Reserve
At the location of our original apiary site will be the home of the Ed Hillary Hope Forest Reserve. The farmland beside Four Brothers Reserve is being planted out in natives to encourage more bird life. The plan is to connect the Karamu Walkway through the new reserve to create a new loop track. Find out more.
Te Uku Roast
into the old Te Uku Post Office for a coffee or cuppa to go. They are open from 6am! Also check out the gallery with local artist's work and stock up on supplies at the general store.
Pipiwharauroa Walking & Biking Trail
This track goes over privately owned farmland and paper roads on the Wharauroa Plateau and is an 18 kilometres return trip (about 4 hours to walk or 2 hours to cycle). At 430 meters above sea level, the trail winds over the Te Uku Wind Farm site which gives amazing 360 degree views across the greater Waikato to Raglan, Kawhia and Aotea Harbours and Mt Taranaki (on a clear day). For more details on this trail check out this website.
Bridal Veil Falls
This is a lovely track through native bush to 2 viewing platforms before descending down 261 stairs to the base of the waterfall, with another platform half way down the stairs. The waterfall looks like a brides veil, hence the name. It takes about 20 minutes one way from the carpark to the base of the water fall. To get there turn left into TeMata Road, just before Raglan, and follow the signs to the start of the track.
Raglan Area
There is so much to see and do in the Ralan area, including:
- Walks along the beaches
- Water sports including swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, wind surfing, kite surfing, boating, fishing and of course surfing!
- Horse Riding
- Shopping, there is a great variety of craft and clothing shops
- Cafes
- Walks such as the Wainui Bush Park, Three Bridges Reserve and for the more adventurous there's Karioi summit tracks.
Check out this great guide to walks in the Pirongia and Raglan area.Make sure you pop into the The Herbal Dispensary on Wallis Street in Raglan. They are open 7 days a week and have some yummy healthy delights for you, including Sweetree Honey!
Much of this information and more is found on the Department of Conservation Website, check it to plan your weekend get aways.
Purchase Four Brothers Reserve Honey here! Please note not all our honey varieties are available all the time.
