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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -37.84611, 175.94205. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- 9 km loop
- Walking time
- 3 hrs 30 min
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
This walk follows a branch of the tramline through the bush to the North South track, and returns along a separate tramline branch back to the road.
This DOC directory entry covers Henderson Tramline 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: 9 km loop
- Walking time: 3 hrs 30 min
- 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.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
This walk includes a section of Old Kaimai Road and can be walked in either direction.
From the carpark at the Tuakopae Stream Bridge on Old Kaimai Road, the track crosses a clearing before reaching a junction. A short side track leads down to the base of a waterfall and large swimming hole. The main track continues to join up with the western branch of the Henderson Tramline. When the tramline ends the track follows haul lines to the summit. Turn north on to the North South historic track until meeting up with the junction at the northern tramline.
Follow the tramline east, then a cut track through the bush to the park boundary and along the edge of cleared land beside a deer fence. The track crosses two large tributaries of the Rataroa Stream before reaching the Old Kaimai Road. These are not bridged, but are normally shallow enough to cross with care. Follow the road back to the start of the track.
Getting there
This track starts by the Tuakopae Stream bridge on Old Kaimai Road, off SH29 near Kaimai Summit.
Know before you go
Streams in this area will rise quickly after heavy rain. Expect to get wet feet along this track.
Consult a topographic map.
You need to be well prepared when tramping on conservation land, especially on the 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.
