Last updated October 2026
The High-Level Pack Track is a steep climb up the Waiorongomai Valley near Te Aroha, past old mine portals and waterfalls to the old mining camp of Quartzville.
DOC grades it Advanced, gives 2 hr 30 min and says it is best suited to more experienced trampers. It starts from the car park at the end of Waiorongomai Road, which turns off Te Aroha Gordon Road about 5 km south of Te Aroha, in the Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park, and closely follows the route of the historic Piako County Tramway.
You can return the same way, loop back on the Low-Level track, or continue to longer tramps in the upper valley. It is about 39 km from Tauranga, on the far side of the Kaimai Range.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for High-Level Pack Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Car park at the end of Waiorongomai Road
- Distance from the city
- About 39 km from Tauranga
- Walking time
- 2 hr 30 min
- Track length
- 4.3 km one way
- Grade
- Advanced
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Track type
- Tramping track
- Mountain bikes
- Not allowed
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open with a DOC alert when checked on 18 October 2026 (caution at a slip site on the Low Level Loop Track in the Waiorongomai Valley). Check DOC before you go.
About High-Level Pack Track
From the car park, follow the signs and go straight through the junctions with the Low-Level Loop and the Buck Rock Track, which you reach after about 30 minutes. The track crosses several streams, then climbs to a bridge over Butlers Incline. The next junction gives access to other tracks and loop walks of up to 6 hours.
The High-Level Pack Track branches left and climbs past several mine portals and waterfalls. It levels out just before Quartzville, an old mining camp, then drops to a junction just above the May Queen Incline.
DOC says this steep track is best suited to more experienced trampers.
Goldmining History
DOC records that prospector Hone Werahiko found gold in the Waiorongomai Valley in 1881, but the mines were never very successful because the gold-bearing reef was hard rock with low yields.
The track closely followed the path of the Piako County Tramway, giving miners and packhorses access to the upper valley. Butlers Incline is 400 m long at 25 degrees, and an aerial ropeway at its foot linked the tramway to the Bendigo Battery.
Loops and Longer Tramps
Return the same way, or loop back by heading south on the Low-Level track. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had an alert for the Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park area: for the Waiorongomai Valley tracks, “Caution is required at a slip site on the Low Level Loop Track.” For longer trips, continue north from the May Queen Incline up the Te Aroha Link Track to the Waiorongomai saddle, which leads on towards Waitawheta, Karangahake and other destinations. Use Plan My Walk to check the weather and share your plans.
Track Conditions and Safety
DOC notes the terrain can have alpine weather and the tops can be much colder than Te Aroha, so pack warm layers, a raincoat and sturdy boots. Mine tunnels and shafts are dangerous and may be hidden by vegetation: keep to marked tracks and don’t enter tunnels unless they are clearly marked for public access.
Don’t cross flooded streams; turn back or wait for the water to drop. The car park is remote, so lock your car and keep valuables out of sight. Check DOC before you go and tell someone your plans.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: High-Level Pack 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: Waiorongomai Valley: other tracks and the valley’s goldmining heritage.
Plan My Walk: weather, track alerts and a trip plan to share before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the High-Level Pack Track take?
DOC gives 2 hr 30 min.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Advanced and says the steep track is best suited to more experienced trampers.
Can I take my dog?
No dogs.
Where does it start?
At the car park at the end of Waiorongomai Road, which turns off Te Aroha Gordon Road about 5 km south of Te Aroha.
What will I see?
Mine portals, waterfalls, Butlers Incline and the old mining camp of Quartzville.
Can I make it a loop?
Yes. DOC says you can loop back by taking the Low Level Track heading south. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC’s Northern Kaimai alert asked for caution at a slip site on the Low Level Loop Track.
Can I bike it?
No. Mountain biking is not allowed.
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.