Beauty spot

Sacha made it to the top!

It's not every day I decide to walk up a mountain. It actually might be a hill, but for the sake of my dignity, I'm calling it a mountain.

I haven't been for a decent walk for a few weeks, and I certainly have not introduced my legs to any walk up a hill longer than 20 minutes, so they were justifiably upset when I took on the Kakepuku walking track.

It's a nice track through the bush, starting off with farmland. A gradual incline leads you to believe you can, in fact, master the walk, but about halfway up, just when you're ready for a break, the track becomes a steep clay hike.

Following that are stairs, many, many stairs. I might be exaggerating, as I was rather tired by the point of stairs, but there are certainly a few.

Though gasping for air at the top, it was a spectacular walk. Just the right amount of time (we did it in 2hrs 30mins) to get the blood pumping and feeling like you've done a very good amount of exercise for the day.

The walk back down is pleasant, but I do recommend good shoes as it can get slippery on the clay. Ideally do this track in the morning in summer to avoid the heat (I went at 1pm on a 22 degree day) and take plenty of water.

A reasonable level of fitness is required. There is a variety of wildlife to observe - tui, kereru, and North Island robins, ideal for bird and wildlife watching. Dogs are prohibited.
Type of track: Afternoon hike through bush and some farm land. Use walking shoes (sneakers with good grip or hiking shoes) and bring plenty of water and a snack at the top if you're like me and eat regularly. Good for increasing your fitness level.

Time: 2-3 hours, allow three hours with stops along the way.
Getting there: Access is off Kakepuku Mountain Rd, the track is well signposted and about five minutes' drive along the road. It takes approximately 30 minutes from Hamilton to get there and is near Te Awamutu.