The Kaimai Heritage Trail helps to bring these stories to life in the following locations:

Karangahake Gorge and Waikino

The historic railway line from Karangahake to the Victoria Battery and Waikino can be either walked or cycled. At Karangahake, the 1 km long railway tunnel can be seen on a loop walk. Crossing the historic rail bridges at either end of the tunnel completes the railway experience for short stop visitors.

The Martha Mine at Waihi has a long history, and presents a major visitor attraction in its own right.

The huge Victoria Battery complex at nearby Waikino is an historic reserve featuring visitor information and displays. Numerous foundations and other remains can be seen at Victoria Battery, presenting a glimpse of the battery’s original scale. The power Transformer House is a listed building and now serves as a museum. The huge ore roasting kilns have been excavated and protected, and are on show to the visitor. Underground tours and a mining tramway are run on the site by the Victoria Battery Tramway Society.

Find out more about Karangahake Gorge walks

Waitawheta Valley

An impressive logging tramway in the Waitawheta Valley was constructed by the Waihi Gold Mining Company and was later extended and developed by the Kauri Timber Company and others. This tramway forms the basis of the Waitawheta Tramway Walk, leading to the site of the historic Waitawheta Mill where remains include timbers, tramway turntables, and the start of the Waipapa Haul Line.

Find out more about the Waitawheta Tramway walk

Waiorongomai Valley

A courageous public works initiative, the Piako County Tramway, connects the various mines in the Waiorongomai Valley. A series of large inclines are the most impressive features of the tramway which, with associated machinery and building remains, can be explored.

Find out more about Waiorongomai walks

The Kaimai Heritage Trail is located in the northern Kaimai Range at 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.

All destinations have convenient parking.

• Mine tunnels and shafts are very dangerous and may be hidden by vegetation. Do not enter tunnels unless they are marked for public access.
• Take torches to explore the mining tunnels and caverns in the Karangahake Gorge.
• The Waitawheta River can rise quickly after heavy rain.