High-Level Pack Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

This steep track is best suited to more experience trampers. It can be combined with other tracks to make a loop walk, or used to access longer tramps in the upper Waiorongomai Valley track network.

This DOC directory entry covers High-Level Pack Track in Bay of Plenty, within Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park / Waiorongomai Valley. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.

Distance, time and grade

• Distance: 4.3 km one way
• Walking time: 2 hr 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 track climbs steadily up the valley towards the Waiorongomai saddle. It closely followed the path of the Piako County Tramway to give access to the upper valley for miners and packhorses.

Follow the signs to the High-Level Pack Track from the car park. Continue straight on at the junctions with the Low-Level Loop and the Buck Rock Track, which is reached after about 30 min. The path crosses a number of streams before ascending to a bridge across Butlers Incline.

The following junction gives access to a number of other tracks, and opportunities for a variety of loop walks up to 6 hr duration. The High Level Pack Track branches to the left and continues upwards, passing several mine portals and waterfalls. It levels out just before the old mining camp known as Quartzville and then descends to a junction just above the May Queen Incline.

Return the same way or do a loop walk by taking the Low Level Track heading south. Longer tramps are accessible by continuing north from the May Queen Incline up the Te Aroha Link Track to Waiorongomai saddle, and then on to Waitawheta, Karangahake and other destinations.

Getting there

From Te Aroha, travel south for approximately 5 km on Te Aroha Gordon Rd then turn left into Waiorongomai Rd.

The track starts from the carpark at the end of Waiorongomai Rd.

Know before you go

Pack warm clothes and wear sturdy boots

This terrain is steep. It experiences alpine weather and the temperature at the summit can be far colder than temperatures in Te Aroha. Even if it’s warm in the town, pack plenty of warm layers, a waterproof raincoat and wear sturdy boots.

Find a day hikes packing list here

Be safe around historic mines

Mine tunnels and shafts are very dangerous and may be hidden by vegetation. To enjoy this place safely:

• Keep to official marked tracks

• Do not enter tunnels unless they are clearly marked for public access

No mountain biking

Mountain biking is not allowed on this track.

Find places where you can mountain bike.

Stay safe when crossing rivers and streams

If you plan to cross unbridged rivers or side streams, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.

Do not cross if the river or stream is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.

How to cross rivers safely

NIWA river flow forecasts: View a video of national followed by regional river flows

No dogs

Dogs are not permitted on this track.

Lock your car and leave valuables out of sight

The car park is located in a remote location so its important your vehicle is left secured. Make sure it is locked and that all valuables are out of sight.

History and culture

Waiorongomai goldfields

A prospector, Hone Werahiko found gold in the Waiorongomai Valley in 1881. The goldmines were never very successful - expensive engineering projects failed due to low yields from the unexpectedly hard rock of the enormous gold bearing reef. One of these projects was the Piako County Tramway which is a feature of many of the walks.

Butlers Incline

Butlers Incline is 400m long and rises steeply at 25 degrees. From the bottom of the incline the loaded ore trucks were hauled along by horses, through a tunnels, and on down the valley. At the bottom of Butlers Incline an aerial ropeway connected the tramway to the Bendigo Battery.

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.