Low-Level Loop

Located in Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park and Waiorongomai Valley in the Bay of Plenty region

A family-friendly loop walk in the Waiorongomai Valley, past historic goldmining sites.

An interesting walk for children, this well-graded track takes in several significant sites around the lower Waiorongomai goldfields.

From the car park, go up the stairs to the left of the concrete ruins and then follow the signposted Low-Level Loop to the right. The track winds up the valley through regenerating bush across a few small streams and passes a small tunnel and a pipeline.

After about an hour, the loop turns back south at the signposted junction and joins the Piako County Tramway at the base of Butlers Incline. The rail is still in place, which gives a sense of how the tramway worked.

The walk then descends along the tramway to the top of the Fern Spur Incline, with views to the south. It is a short walk down the hill from here to the car park.

From Te Aroha, travel south for approximately 5 km on Te Aroha Gordon Rd then turn left into Waiorongomai Rd.

The track starts from the carpark at the end of Waiorongomai Rd. 

Be safe around historic mines

Mine tunnels and shafts are very dangerous and may be hidden by vegetation. To enjoy this place safely:

  • Keep to official marked tracks
  • Do not enter tunnels unless they are clearly marked for public access

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No mountain biking

Mountain biking is not allowed on this track.

Find places where you can mountain bike. 

Stay safe when crossing rivers

If you plan to cross unbridged rivers, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.

Do not cross if the river is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out.

How to cross rivers safely

No dogs

Dogs are not permitted on this track. 

Lock your car and leave valuables out of sight

The car park is located in a remote location so its important your vehicle is left secured. Make sure it is locked and that all valuables are out of sight. 

Waiorongomai goldfields

A prospector, Hone Werahiko found gold in the Waiorongomai Valley in 1881. The goldmines were never very successful - expensive engineering projects failed due to low yields from the unexpectedly hard rock of the enormous gold bearing reef.

Piako County Tramway

The Piako County Tramway was built in 1882-83 to shift ore carts. It is New Zealand's oldest bush tramway with the original rail still in place.

It features three self acting inclines, of which Butlers Incline is 400 m long and at 25 degrees is very steep. Read more about the tramway and its restoration.

Butlers Incline

Butlers Incline is 400m long and rises steeply at 25 degrees. From the bottom of the incline the loaded ore trucks were hauled along by horses, through a tunnels, and on down the valley. At the bottom of Butlers Incline an aerial ropeway connected the tramway to the Bendigo Battery.