Waitawheta Tramway
Track category
Tramping track
Time:
8 hrs return
Distance:
7.5 km one way
Description
Access to the Waitawheta Valley is from a small car park at the end of Franklin Road near Karangahake and Waihi. From the end of Franklin Road follow alongside the Waitawheta River through private farmland before entering the Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park.
Relics and replicas bring the history to life along the Kaimai Heritage Trail
Follow the Tramway Track, stopping at the various information signs to find out when, why and how the tramway was built. The tramway is relatively flat, and nice and wide. After about an hour and a half the track crosses a large suspension bridge to the site of a replica logging bogie (a tram cart that carried the massive logs). This is a great spot for lunch and to spend time taking photographs.
A short loop track near to the logging bogie offers a detour to the site of an electricity pylon dating from around the year 1900. To complete a shorter, easier trip, return from the logging bogie back down the tramway to the car park.
Alternatively, continue south along the tramline through the spectacular Waitawheta Gorge. Three river crossings are necessary in this section. The track then leaves the river and passes through a campsite before reaching the toilet bowl waterfall, the Waitawheta Hut, and the site of the old logging mill. Return along the same track, or spend the night to explore more of the park.
Hut tickets must be purchased in advanced and are available from DOC and selected outlets.
Getting there
The tracks starts from a small carpark at the end of Franklin Road, off Waitawheta Road, near SH2 at Waikino in the Karangahake Gorge.
Activities
Child/family friendly activities
Historic sites
Child/family friendly activities
A shorter walk with no river crossings can be taken, just over an hour up the tramway to the site of a replica logging bogie which shows how kauri were transported down the valley. This trip takes in the lower tramway with information boards explaining the story of kauri logging here, before returning the same way to the car park. Suitable for older kids.
Historic sites
The Waitawheta Tramway is a great example of our logging heritage with impressive engineering in difficult terrain. Parts of the Waitawheta Mill operation can still be seen at the head of the valley at the location of the Waitawheta Hut. A tramway turntable and haul lines at the mill site can also be explored.
About the area
The Waitawheta Valley is part of the Kaimai Heritage Trail, at the north end of the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park. Walk up the valley following paths of historic logging tramways and enjoy giant kauri, mining relics and the 26-bunk Waitawheta Hut which is built on the site of an old logging mill.
Information panels and the restored tramway of the Waitawheta Tramway Track vividly describe the local history and heritage. Longer overnight walks can be accessed from here. From the end of Franklin Road, walking tracks cross private farmland for the first 30 minutes or so. Please take care and follow the orange markers.
The bush is re-generating in this part of the park, and many young kauri can be seen alongside a diverse range of trees including rimu, nikau, kohekohe and pukatea.
Plan and prepare
Caution is required when crossing the Waitawheta River as it can become impassable during heavy rain.
This track requires three river crossings to reach the Waitawheta Hut.
No mountain biking is permitted.
Please consult a topographic map.
back to top
Guides and commercial tourism providers