Waiorongomai Valley
Introduction
The Waiorongomai Valley is a significant gold mining site in the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park. The valley offers numerous walks following old mining trails. A prospector, Hone Werahiko found gold in the Waiorongomai Valley in 1881. Expensive engineering projects failed due to low yields from the unexpectedly hard rock of the enormous gold bearing reef. One of these projects is the Piako County Tramway.
Location
The Waiorongomai Valley lies at the end of Waiorongomai Loop Road. The Valley is just four kilometres south of Te Aroha, near State Highway 26.
Features
Equipment at Hardies Mine
The Piako County Tramway
The Piako County Tramway was built in 1882-83 and is New Zealand's oldest known railway with the original rail still in place. It features three self acting inclines, of which Butlers Incline is 400 metres long and at 25 degrees is very steep.
It still on site and is a showcase historic site for the Department of Conservation.
There are also a number of other historic areas to explore such as Fern Spur Incline, Bendigo Battery, Low Level Drive, May Queen Incline and winding gear and many more.
The Low Level Loop Track
(4 hr return) from the carpark at Waiorongomai Loop Road
This track climbs gradually through regenerating native bush. Continuing up the valley from a T junction, the track soon reaches the base of Butler Incline. The Loop Track then follows the tramway down the valley. Walkers can climb the incline (30 minutes) and walk along the tramway, up the May Queen Incline and through a short, dark tunnel to the end of the tramway at Premier Creek. Return the same way for a 3 hours round trip, using a side track to avoid walking down Butler Incline, to protect it from erosion.
The track can be walked in most conditions but some of the other tracks in the area involve stream crossings. Take care after heavy rain.
Activities
Historic sites
Tracks and walks
Challenging routes in the Waiorongomai Valley and near Mount Te Aroha. These should only be attempted by experienced trampers.
There are a number of different tracks up and around Mt Te Aroha and the Waiorongomai valley. Choose 1-2 hour walks, or combine several listed here for a full and challenging day's walk.
Plan and prepare
Dogs, horses, vehicles (including bicycles and motorbikes), fires, removal of plants or
animals,and hunting without a permit are not permitted. Mine tunnels and shafts are dangerous and may be hidden by vegetation. Keep to official tracks and do not enter tunnels unless they are clearly marked for public access.
Many of the sites are protected by the Historic Places Act 1980 and it is illegal to disturb such sites.
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