Last updated November 2026
The Leyland O’Brien Tramline Track follows the old Leyland O’Brien tramline beside the headwaters of the Ngamuwahine River in the southern Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park, inland from Tauranga. It starts at the end of Whakamarama Road, off SH2, via the first 100 m of the Pā Kereru Track. DOC grades it Advanced and gives 2 hr 30 min one way.
The first section beside the river is flat, then the track crosses the river and the tramline climbs to the Ngamuwahine Track junction before continuing to the North-South Track. The road end is about 21 km from Tauranga, and DOC warns that rivers here can rise very quickly after rain.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Leyland O'Brien Tramline Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- End of Whakamarama Road (via the Pā Kereru Track)
- Distance from the city
- About 21 km from Tauranga
- Walking time
- 2 hr 30 min one way
- Track length
- 6.3 km
- Grade
- Advanced
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Track type
- Tramping track
- Map
- Topo50 BD36
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About Leyland O’Brien Tramline Track
From the end of Whakamarama Road, walk down the Pā Kereru Track for 100 m to a junction and take the left-hand track. This follows the old Leyland O’Brien tramline beside the headwaters of the Ngamuwahine River, and the first section is flat.
After about 1 hr 30 min, the track crosses the river and the tramline begins to climb towards the junction with the Ngamuwahine Track. From there it continues south-east for about another 30 minutes to meet the North-South Track.
You can return the same way.
Linking Tracks
At the Ngamuwahine Track junction, DOC gives 1 hr 30 min to the end of Ngamuwahine Road, so a car shuttle allows a one-way trip.
At the far end, the North-South Track leads on to Te Whare Okioki and Hurunui Hut for longer trips into the Kaimai Range. DOC advises carrying a topographic map. Use Plan My Walk to check the weather and share your plans.
Ngamarama/Te Tuhi Track
The Ngamarama/Te Tuhi Track starts from the same road end at Whakamarama Road and crosses the whole Kaimai Range from east to west, finishing at Te Tuhi Road, off Old Te Aroha Road on the Waikato side.
DOC gives 11.7 km one way and 6 hours, classes it as an advanced tramping track, and says it can be walked in either direction. No dogs are allowed. For a one-way crossing you’ll need transport at the far end.
The route
Walk down the Pā Kereru Track to the junction where the Leyland O’Brien Tramline Track goes left, and take the Ngamarama Track to the right. It follows an old tramline to an open clearing, then leaves it and climbs a steep ridge to a second tramline heading south-west. From there the track drops into the Waiteariki basin and crosses two streams before it meets the North-South Track.
The track then carries on west for about an hour before dropping down the steep western escarpment of the range to farmland. The marked route crosses private land on the way to Te Tuhi Road, so keep to the track.
Loops and overnight trips
Instead of crossing the range, you can make a loop from Whakamarama Road: walk the Leyland O’Brien Tramline to the North-South Track, head north, then come back down the Ngamarama Track.
The crossing also leads to overnight tramps on the North-South Track: DOC puts Te Whare Okioki about 4 hours’ tramp from Whakamarama Road, or 3 hours from Te Tuhi Road. Take a topographic map and use Plan My Walk.
Track Conditions and Safety
DOC’s track page notes: “Note that rivers in this area can rise very quickly after rain.” The track crosses the Ngamuwahine River, so don’t cross if it is up and turn back if you’re unsure. Check DOC before you go and tell someone your plans.
From locals
How far is the Leyland O'Brien Tramline Track to the North-South Track?
How steep is the climb after the river crossing, and is it rough underfoot?
No answers yet. If you know, a local would love to hear it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Leyland O’Brien Tramline Track take?
DOC gives 2 hr 30 min one way.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Advanced. The first section is flat, then it crosses the river and climbs.
Can I take my dog?
No dogs.
Where does it start?
At the end of Whakamarama Road, off SH2. Walk 100 m down the Pā Kereru Track to the junction.
Is there a river crossing?
Yes, after about 1 hr 30 min. DOC warns rivers in this area can rise very quickly after rain.
Can I make it a one-way trip?
Yes. From the Ngamuwahine Track junction it is 1 hr 30 min to the end of Ngamuwahine Road.
Where does it lead?
To the North-South Track, which continues to Te Whare Okioki and Hurunui Hut.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 3
- Department of Conservation: Leyland O’Brien Tramline 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.