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Kaimai Heritage Trail

Bay of Plenty region

Waiorongomai Valley gold mines.

Exploring Waiorongomai Valley gold mining relics

Bay of Plenty region.

Discover treasure in these stunning public parks featuring gentle walks and day visitor attractions plus overnight trips through historic countryside.

The Kaimai Heritage Trail reveals our rich industrial past and is waiting to be explored by you. The tramways, haul lines, and mining tunnels from the 19th and early 20th centuries now offer amazing day visitor locations and a network of walking and tramping tracks to discover.

Location

The Kaimai Heritage Trail is located in the northern Kaimai Range and the southern end of the Coromandel between Paeroa and Waihi. Kaimai Heritage Trail destinations are accessible via SH2 at Karanagahake and Waikino, and via SH26 at Te Aroha. These places feature convenient parking with short walks to see amazing things.

Features

Historic features include rail, mining and goldmining sites with intact and remains and modern reconstructions explaining life in the old days.

Activities on the Kaimai Heritage Trail

Rock climbing, mountain biking and fly fishing are all fun activities in addition to tramping or walking the Kaimai Heritage Trail.

Places to stay

You can camp or stay in backcountry huts while exploring the Kaimai Heritage Trail.

Plan & prepare

Safety is your responsibility, so make sure you remember your trip into the outdoors for the right reasons.

Highlights:

Karangahake Windows Walk

This spectacular walk passes through the relics of the Tasman and Crown mining operations in Karangahake Gorge.

Waitawheta Tramway

This track is relatively flat but requires several river crossings as it follows an old tramline through the spectacular Waitawheta Gorge.

Waiorongomai Valley tramping tracks

The history of gold mining in the area has left many pack tracks and tramlines which can now be walked. Choose 1-2 hour walks, or combine them for a full and challenging day's walk.

Find out more

Publications

Kaimai to coast brochure (PDF, 1,497K)

Weather

Maps

New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres

Learn more

Stop the spread of didymo

Check, Clean, Dry all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.

Have your say on conservation in your community

Safety

Follow the Outdoor Safety Code:
1. Plan your trip
2. Tell someone
3. Be aware of the weather
4. Know your limits
5. Take sufficient supplies

Contacts

Tauranga Area Office
Phone:	+64 7 578 7677

Email:
Full office details