Last updated October 2026
The Waitawheta Tramway follows an old bush tramway, used from 1898 to 1928, through the Waitawheta Gorge in the Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park near Waihi. DOC grades it Intermediate and gives 8 hr return or 3–4 hrs one way for the full route, which reaches Waitawheta Hut, a DOC hut.
The tramway is relatively flat and wide, and interpretation panels along the way make the first section a great option for older children. It starts from a parking area at the end of Franklin Road, about 11 km from Waihi and about 38 km from Tauranga. DOC says it should not be attempted when heavy rain is forecast from the north to south-east.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Waitawheta Tramway on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Parking area at the end of Franklin Road, off Waitawheta Road
- Distance from the city
- About 38 km from Tauranga
- Walking time
- 8 hr return, 3–4 hrs one way
- Track length
- 19 km return
- Grade
- Intermediate
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Hut
- Waitawheta Hut (DOC Serviced hut, 26 bunks)
- Mountain bikes
- Not allowed
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open with a DOC alert when checked on 18 October 2026 (Northern Kaimai track closures; DOC listed this track as open). Check DOC before you go.
About Waitawheta Tramway
DOC calls the Waitawheta Tramway “one of the most spectacular bush tramways ever built.” It ran from 1898 to 1928, worked by three companies: the Waihi Gold Mining Co, the Kauri Timber Co and the Waitawheta Sawmilling Co. Horses, geared steam locomotives and rail tractors all hauled loads along it, and DOC notes that a 14 km section survives in near-pristine condition.
The walk follows the old formation up the valley. Interpretation panels explain when, why and how the tramway was built, and the track crosses a large suspension bridge. DOC notes that the original tramway route featured spectacular viaducts and rock cuttings.
After just over an hour to about an hour and a half (DOC’s page gives both), you reach a replica logging bogie, which shows how kauri logs were carried down the valley. It makes a good spot for lunch and photos, and a short loop nearby leads to an electricity pylon from around 1900.
Beyond the bogie, the full route continues south through the Waitawheta Gorge, past a campsite and the toilet bowl waterfall, to Waitawheta Hut and the site of the old logging mill. DOC says the shorter trip to the logging bogie is suitable for older children.
Route Options
Family walk to the logging bogie
Just over an hour up the tramway to the replica logging bogie, with no river crossings and information boards about the lower tramway and kauri logging. DOC says this option is suitable for older children. Return the same way.
Full route to Waitawheta Hut
Continue south through the gorge to Waitawheta Hut. The main track has one river crossing, and a bypass track crosses a few small side streams instead. Return the same way, or stay the night to explore more of the park. Use Plan My Walk to check the weather and share your plans.
Waitawheta Hut
Waitawheta Hut is a DOC hut on the site of the Waitawheta Sawmilling Co. cookhouse. DOC lists it as a Serviced hut with 26 bunk beds, heating, mattresses, non-flush toilets and tap water that is not treated, so boil it before use. Check the DOC hut page for fees and booking details before you go.
Track Conditions and Safety
DOC warns: “This track should not be attempted when heavy rain is forecast from the north to south east direction.” The side streams on the bypass track “could flood high enough to be hazardous in an extreme rain event.” Mountain biking is not allowed. Franklin Road crosses private property, so take care.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had an alert for the Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park about Northern Kaimai track closures for kauri protection and storm damage. It noted: “The Waitawheta Tramway Track to Waitawheta Hut is open.” The same alert said the Old North–South Track between Waitawheta Hut and Te Rereatukahia Hut is an unmaintained expert route, recommended only for highly experienced trampers. Check DOC before you go and tell someone your plans.
Getting There
From Waihi, turn off SH2 onto Kenny Street, then right into Victoria Street. Follow it as it becomes Frankton Road and then Waitawheta Road. After about 9 km, turn into Franklin Road and follow it to the parking area at the end.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Waitawheta Tramway: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park: huts, tracks and conditions across the Kaimai Range.
Plan My Walk: weather, track alerts and a trip plan to share before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Waitawheta Tramway?
DOC gives 8 hr return or 3–4 hrs one way for the full route to Waitawheta Hut. DOC gives just over an hour to about an hour and a half to reach the logging bogie.
Is it good for kids?
The first section to the logging bogie has no river crossings, and DOC says it suits older children.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Intermediate. The tramway is relatively flat and wide.
Can I take my dog?
No dogs.
Is there a hut?
Yes, Waitawheta Hut, a DOC hut on the old sawmill cookhouse site. Check DOC for booking details.
Where does the track start?
At the parking area at the end of Franklin Road, about 11 km from Waihi.
Can I bike it?
No. DOC says mountain biking is not allowed.
When should I avoid it?
When heavy rain is forecast from the north to south-east, DOC says the track should not be attempted.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.