Last updated November 2026
The Henderson Tramline Loop Track is a Kaimai bush loop that follows two branches of an old tramline, with a side track to a waterfall and a large swimming hole near the start. It begins at the car park by the Tuakopae Stream Bridge on Old Kaimai Road, which leaves SH29 near the Kaimai Summit.
DOC grades it Advanced and gives 3 hrs 30 min. The loop climbs the western tramline branch to the North-South historic track, returns along the northern branch, and finishes along Old Kaimai Road. It is about 26 km from Tauranga, and DOC says to expect wet feet.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Henderson Tramline Loop Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Car park by the Tuakopae Stream Bridge, Old Kaimai Road
- Distance from the city
- About 26 km from Tauranga
- Walking time
- 3 hrs 30 min
- Track length
- 9 km loop
- Grade
- Advanced
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Track type
- Tramping track
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About Henderson Tramline Loop Track
From the car park, the track crosses a clearing to a junction. A short side track leads down to the base of a waterfall and a large swimming hole, worth a stop before or after the loop.
The main track joins the western branch of the Henderson Tramline. Where the tramline ends, it follows old haul lines up to the summit, then turns north along the North-South historic track to the junction with the northern tramline branch.
The return follows that tramline east, then a cut track through the bush to the park boundary, and runs along the edge of cleared land beside a deer fence.
Two large tributaries of the Rataroa Stream are crossed without bridges before the track rejoins Old Kaimai Road for the walk back to the car park. The loop can be walked in either direction.
The Waterfall
A short side track near the start of the loop drops to the base of a waterfall and a large swimming hole. If you swim, take care, and stay out of the water when the stream is up after rain.
Kaimai Summit Loop Track
If you’d like a much shorter walk nearby, the Kaimai Summit Loop Track starts right at the top of SH29. DOC gives it as a 500 m loop taking about 20 minutes. It begins at the northern end of the unsigned gravel car park on the north side of the highway, opposite the freshwater spring. No dogs are allowed.
The loop follows the North-South Track for about 10 minutes to a junction, then takes a short ridge before dropping back down to meet the road about 50 m below the car park. It stays close to a small stream, and the damp forest is thick with big canopy trees, ferns, lichens, orchids and epiphytes.
The walking is easy, but DOC classes it as a tramping track because it crosses a small stream that can be impassable after heavy rain. If the stream is up, turn back the way you came.
Track Conditions and Safety
DOC says: “Expect to get wet feet along this track.” The two Rataroa Stream tributaries aren’t bridged but are normally shallow enough to cross with care, and streams rise quickly after heavy rain.
DOC recommends a topographic map, strong boots, warm clothing, a good raincoat, a first aid kit, food and drink, a hat and sunscreen. Check DOC before you go, tell someone your plans and use Plan My Walk.
From locals
What should I pack for the Henderson Tramline Loop?
Does the waterfall run much better after rain, or is it fine in dry spells?
No answers yet. If you know, a local would love to hear it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Henderson Tramline Loop take?
DOC gives 3 hrs 30 min.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Advanced. Expect stream crossings and wet feet.
Can I take my dog?
No dogs.
Where does it start?
At the car park by the Tuakopae Stream Bridge on Old Kaimai Road, off SH29 near the Kaimai Summit.
Is there a waterfall?
Yes. A short side track near the start leads to the base of a waterfall and a large swimming hole.
Which way should I walk it?
DOC says the loop can be walked in either direction.
Are the streams bridged?
No. The two Rataroa Stream tributaries are normally shallow but rise quickly after heavy rain.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 3
- Department of Conservation: Henderson Tramline Loop Track: 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.
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.