Last updated October 2026
The Daly’s Clearing Loop Track is a Kaimai loop from the end of Franklin Road near Waikino, passing Daly’s Clearing Hut, a DOC hut, and returning down the Waitawheta Valley tramway.
DOC grades it Advanced and gives 4 hr. Its highlight, according to DOC, is the extensive groves of nīkau growing under tall tawa, kohekohe and pukatea forest. The track begins on private farmland before entering the Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park. The start is about 41 km from Tauranga.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Daly's Clearing Loop Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- End of Franklin Road, off Waitawheta Road (from SH2 near Waikino)
- Distance from the city
- About 41 km from Tauranga
- Walking time
- 4 hr
- Track length
- 7.5 km
- Grade
- Advanced
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Hut
- Daly’s Clearing Hut (DOC hut)
- Mountain bikes
- Not permitted
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About Daly’s Clearing Loop Track
From the end of Franklin Road, take the Dean Track south-west and uphill through private farmland for about 30 minutes to the park boundary. A spur then climbs through bush to meet the Mangakino Pack Track.
Turn south to the junction with the Daly’s Clearing Track. Daly’s Clearing Hut is about 15 minutes along it, above the Romanga Stream. After the hut, the track drops gradually to meet the Waitawheta Valley tramway, which you follow north back to Franklin Road.
The forest is the reason to come: DOC highlights the groves of nīkau under a canopy of tawa, kohekohe and pukatea.
Daly’s Clearing Hut
Daly’s Clearing Hut is a DOC hut above the Romanga Stream, about 15 minutes along the Daly’s Clearing Track. DOC’s track page lists it as a Standard hut with 16 bunk beds, mattresses, non-flush toilets and tap water that is not treated (boil before use). It doesn’t give booking details, so check the DOC hut page before you go. The hut is also the first overnight stop on DOC’s example itinerary for the North-South Track.
Getting There and Safety
From SH2 near Waikino, take Waitawheta Road and then Franklin Road to its end. DOC notes the start is on private property, so take care and keep to the track. Mountain biking is not permitted. DOC advises carrying a topographic map. Check DOC before you go, tell someone your plans and use Plan My Walk.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Daly’s Clearing 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: Daly’s Clearing Hut: bunks, fees and booking.
Plan My Walk: weather, track alerts and a trip plan to share before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Daly’s Clearing Loop Track take?
DOC gives 4 hr.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Advanced.
Where does it start?
At the end of Franklin Road, off Waitawheta Road near Waikino. The first section crosses private farmland.
Can I take my dog?
No dogs.
Is there a hut?
Yes, Daly’s Clearing Hut, a DOC hut about 15 minutes along the Daly’s Clearing Track.
What is special about the forest?
DOC highlights extensive groves of nīkau beneath tawa, kohekohe and pukatea.
Can I bike it?
No. DOC says no mountain biking is permitted.
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.