Tui Mine Track (from Te Aroha Summit to town): Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

A longer track from Te Aroha town to the summit of Te Aroha, via the historic Tui Mine.

This DOC directory entry covers Tui Mine Track (from Te Aroha Summit to town) 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: 8.4 km from summit one way
• Walking time: 3 hr 30 min from summit one way
• 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 is described from Te Aroha summit to Te Aroha, as part of a loop with Te Aroha Summit Track.

This track begins at the Mount Te Aroha Summit and leads back to Te Aroha. Descend from the summit via the stairways and steps on the northeast side. Dog Kennel Flat is reached after 20 minutes at an intersection with Mountain Road.

The route then continues north to the Tui saddle before descending steeply to the west down a rocky section and then follows the road for about 15 minutes before taking a marked bush track on the left. Just below here is the Tui Mine and tailings.

The track passes an old concrete explosives magazine, crosses the Mountain Road and meanders down through lowland forest of puriri and kohekohe leaving the park at the junction with the Tui Domain Track.

Follow the Tui Domain Track through regenerating native forest and shallow mountain streams for 1 hour 30 minutes to reach the Mokena Geyser in the Te Aroha Domain. Side tracks offer alternate exits to Hamilton Street or a detour to the No22 spring. Look out for cyclists as you cross the marked mountain bike track.

Mountain biking

Mountain biking is prohibited.

Getting there

Te Aroha Summit Track (also called Bald Spur Track) begins in the Te Aroha Domain.

Know before you go

It can be very cold near the summit, pack warm clothes

The summit of Te Aroha is nearly 1 km above sea level. It experiences alpine weather and can be far colder than temperatures in Te Aroha. Even if it’s warm in the town, pack plenty of warm layers and a waterproof raincoat.

No water on track, carry lots

There are no water sources on the track and the long climb means walkers need lots of water. We recommend carrying 2-3 L of water per person.

Find a day hikes packing list here

Be careful of historic mines

Mine Tunnels and shafts are dangerous and may be hidden by vegetation.

• Keep to marked official tracks

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

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.