Eliza Mine Loop Track
Tramping track
Time:
4 - 5 hr return
Distance:
7 km
Getting there
Eliza Mine Loop Track is on Thompsons Track off SH 2 between Tauranga and Katikati.
About the area
Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park has a number of historic mining and kauri logging sites within its boundaries. The park also features several popular tramping tracks.
Description
Forest cover at Eliza mine
From Thompson’s Track carpark the walking track descends down an old bulldozed path to meet the Old Eliza Mine Pack Track just after the Waitekohe Stream then climbs to join an old pack track. This track was established when the mine was working to pack in supplies and equipment. The pack track follows the gully above the stream for an hour to the Mt Eliza junction. Follow the steep ridge to the Eliza mine area.
There is a small clearing, which was the site of the miner’s camp and ore testing plant. From here the track is graded around the steep slopes of Mt Eliza. The main mine entrance is to the left while the right hand track climbs to a short prospecting drive before continuing up to the top of Mt Eliza (40 minutes from mine).
Return to the junction on the pack track and continue following it up the valley. The track crosses the Waitekohe Stream and zigzags up to meet Thompsons Track. Follow this roughly formed road back to the carpark. Keep a look out for the 4WD vehicles and mountain bikes that also use this road.
Activities
Historic sites
Plan and prepare
Please consult a topographic map.
You must be well prepared when tramping on conservation land, especially on longer day walks. Ensure you have strong, comfortable boots, warm clothing, a good raincoat, first aid kit, food and drink, a hat and sunscreen. It is also advisable that you leave your tramping intentions with a responsible person, in case you get lost.
What to expect on a tramping track:
- Challenging day or multi-day tramping/hiking
- Track is mostly unformed with steep, rough or muddy sections
- Suitable for people with good fitness. Moderate to high level backcountry skills and experience, including navigation and survival skills required
- Track has markers, poles or rock cairns. Expect unbridged stream and river crossings
- Tramping/hiking boots required
back to top