Reset and Recharge Walk — Pirongia, Waikato
Join me for a small, hosted day walk on the edge of Mount Pirongia, one of the Waikato's most striking native reserves.
A day outdoors, away from your usual routine and in good company.
The experience
We'll spend the day walking tracks at the base of Mount Pirongia, through mature native bush, nikau forests and alongside several streams. Gentle terrain, just far enough in to feel like you've properly left the everyday behind.
Along the way we'll visit the Kaniwaniwha Caves, two limestone caves tucked into the bush. I won't give too much away here, it's better experienced than described, but bring a torch and come curious.
This is for you if…
You want a day outdoors without having to plan, navigate, or make decisions
You're after good company and a walk that doesn't feel like a workout
You like nature, but not high-pressure or performance-focused hikes
You enjoy honest conversation and don't mind a bit of mystery along the way
You're keen for something a little different, caves included
Details
Location: Pirongia Forest Park, Te Awamutu, Waikato
(Exact meeting point shared after booking)Duration: Approximately 5 - 6 hours including breaks.
Plan to be back at your car by approximately 3.00pm
Group size: Maximum of 8 participants
Pace and terrain: Gentle pace, some uneven tracks, suitable for most fitness levels. We'll be walking at the base of the mountain.
Limestone Caves, Pirongia Forest Park
What to bring
Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes
Hiking poles
Water and food for the day
A torch (for the caves)
Warm layers
Investment
NZD $89
This is an intentionally small group to keep the experience personal and considered.
Spaces are limited and will be filled on a first come basis.
Reset and Recharge - Pirongia
Join me for a small, hosted walk at the base of Mount Pirongia, through native bush and nikau forests, alongside streams and limestone caves.
A day outdoors in winter, away from the noise and in good company.
Sunday 2nd August 2026
Reserve your place
Once booked, you will receive a confirmation email with everything you need to know.
Exact meeting point and track details will be shared 48 hours prior.
Pirongia Forest Park
A note from me
August still has a foot in winter, but the bush doesn't seem to notice. The streams are running, the moss is thick, and there are a couple of limestone caves out there most people drive straight past without ever knowing they exist.
I'm not going to tell you everything about them here. Some things are better found than described.
Come and see for yourself.
Sharon 💚
What others are saying
Testimonials from previous walks
Walkers crossing the swingbridge on the Waioronogomai Valley Reset and Recharge Walk
Lietta viewing the stream during the Waiorongomai Valley Reset and Recharge Walk
Fern Spur Headframe and Buck Rock, Kaimai Heritage Trail, Waioronomai
Climbing out of the limestone caves, Pirongia Forest Park
Every walk teaches you something. This one taught me that gold miners were tougher than any of us, that a broken gas bottle is character building, and that sometimes the best thing you can do after six hours in the bush is lower yourself into a hot pool and stay there.
The June Reset and Recharge Walk took us into the Waiorongomai Valley near Te Aroha, a place most people have driven past without ever stopping.
What they don't know is what the valley reveals only to those who walk into it — gold mine tunnels, hidden waterfalls, a swingbridge into the dark, and history scattered through the bush like it was left there yesterday.
This is the story of that day.