Last updated October 2026
The Low-Level Loop is a family-friendly walk in the Waiorongomai Valley near Te Aroha that passes old goldmining sites and follows part of the Piako County Tramway, which DOC calls New Zealand’s oldest bush tramway.
DOC grades it Easy to intermediate and gives 2 hr for the well-graded loop. It starts from the car park at the end of Waiorongomai Road, which you reach by driving about 5 km south of Te Aroha on Te Aroha Gordon Road, in the Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park.
Along the way you pass a small tunnel, a pipeline and the base of the steep Butlers Incline, with the original rail still in place. The valley is about 39 km from Tauranga. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had an alert saying “Caution is required at a slip site on the Low Level Loop Track.”
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Low-Level Loop 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
- Track length
- 5.5 km loop
- Grade
- Easy to intermediate
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Track type
- Walking track
- Mountain bikes
- Not allowed
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open with a DOC alert when checked on 18 October 2026 (caution required at a slip site on the track). Check DOC before you go.
About Low-Level Loop
From the car park, climb the stairs to the left of the concrete ruins and follow the signposted Low-Level Loop to the right. The track winds up the valley through regenerating bush, crossing a few small streams and passing a small tunnel and a pipeline.
After about an hour, the loop turns south at a signposted junction and joins the Piako County Tramway at the base of Butlers Incline, where the original rail is still in place.
The walk then follows the tramway down to the top of Fern Spur Incline, with views to the south, before a short walk downhill back to the car park.
DOC describes it as family-friendly and an interesting walk for children, taking in several significant sites around the lower Waiorongomai goldfields.
Goldmining History
DOC records that prospector Hone Werahiko found gold in the Waiorongomai Valley in 1881. The mines were never very successful: costly engineering projects failed because the gold-bearing reef was unexpectedly hard rock with low yields.
The Piako County Tramway was built in 1882–83 to move ore carts. It has three self-acting inclines, and Butlers Incline alone is 400 m long at 25 degrees. At its foot, loaded ore trucks were horse-hauled through tunnels and down the valley, and an aerial ropeway linked the tramway to the Bendigo Battery.
Track Conditions and Safety
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC’s Northern Kaimai alert listed the Waiorongomai Valley tracks as open, but noted: “Caution is required at a slip site on the Low Level Loop Track.” Take care at the slip and check DOC before you go.
DOC warns: “Mine tunnels and shafts are very dangerous and may be hidden by vegetation.” Keep to official marked tracks and don’t enter tunnels unless they are clearly marked for public access.
Don’t cross streams that are flooded; DOC’s advice is “If in doubt, stay out.” DOC also notes the car park is remote, so lock your car and keep valuables out of sight. Check DOC before you go.
Getting There
From Te Aroha, drive about 5 km south on Te Aroha Gordon Road, then turn left into Waiorongomai Road and follow it to the car park at the end.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Low-Level Loop: 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Low-Level Loop take?
DOC gives 2 hr.
Is it suitable for families?
Yes. DOC describes it as a family-friendly, well-graded track and grades it Easy to intermediate.
Can I take my dog?
No. DOC says dogs are not permitted on this track.
Where does it start?
At the car park at the end of Waiorongomai Road, off Te Aroha Gordon Road about 5 km south of Te Aroha.
What history will I see?
Goldmining relics, a small tunnel, a pipeline and the Piako County Tramway, with original rail at the base of Butlers Incline.
Can I bike the loop?
No. DOC says mountain biking is not allowed on this track.
Are there stream crossings?
A few small ones. Don’t cross if they are flooded.
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.