Eliza Mine Loop Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

Evidence of the past can be savoured today as trampers walk through the Eliza Mine Loop Track.

This DOC directory entry covers Eliza Mine Loop Track in Bay of Plenty, within Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.

Distance, time and grade

• Distance: 7 km loop
• Walking time: 4 - 5 hr
• DOC grade: Advanced

Access and alerts

Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.

• Eliza Mine Loop Track closed; First published on 23 April 2026. Last reviewed on 12 August 2026.

Dog access

No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

From Thompson’s Track carpark the walking track descends down an old bulldozed path to meet the Old Eliza Mine Pack Track just after the Waitekohe Stream then climbs to join an old pack track. This track was established when the mine was working to pack in supplies and equipment. The pack track follows the gully above the stream for an hour to the Mt Eliza junction. Follow the steep ridge to the Eliza mine area.

There is a small clearing, which was the site of the miner’s camp and ore testing plant. From here the track is graded around the steep slopes of Mt Eliza. The main mine entrance is to the left while the right hand track climbs to a short prospecting drive before continuing up to the top of Mt Eliza (40 minutes from mine).

Return to the junction on the pack track and continue following it up the valley. The track crosses the Waitekohe Stream and zigzags up to meet Thompsons Track. Follow this roughly formed road back to the carpark. Keep a look out for the 4WD vehicles and mountain bikes that also use this road.

Alternative route via Mt Eliza and the North South Track

From the Mt Eliza mine area the Mt Eliza Track continues upwards to a short prospecting drive before continuing on to the summit of Mt Eliza (40 minutes from the mine). The track then continues westward for 1 hour to join the North South Track. Motutapere Hut is a 30 minute walk northwards from the junction of the Mt Eliza Track and the North South Track.

Getting there

Eliza Mine Loop Track is on Thompsons Track off SH2 between Tauranga and Katikati.

Know before you go

There is a river crossing on this track.

Consult a topographic map.

You must be well prepared when tramping on conservation land, especially on longer day walks. Ensure you have strong, comfortable boots, warm clothing, a good raincoat, first aid kit, food and drink, a hat and sunscreen.

Sources and reuse

Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.

The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.