Last updated October 2026
The Tui Mine Track (from Te Aroha Summit to town) is a long descent from the summit of Mount Te Aroha back to Te Aroha, past the historic Tui Mine. DOC grades it Advanced and gives 3 hr 30 min one way from the summit.
DOC describes it as part of a loop with the Te Aroha Summit Track, which begins in Te Aroha Domain. The route drops down the north-east side of the summit, crosses the Tui saddle and winds down through puriri and kohekohe forest to the Mokena Geyser in Te Aroha Domain. Te Aroha is about 42 km from Tauranga.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Tui Mine Track (from Te Aroha Summit to town) on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Mount Te Aroha summit
- Finish
- Mokena Geyser, Te Aroha Domain (via the Tui Domain Track)
- Distance from the city
- About 42 km from Tauranga
- Walking time
- 3 hr 30 min from summit one way
- Track length
- 8.4 km from summit one way
- Grade
- Advanced
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Water
- None on the track
- Mountain bikes
- Not allowed
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About Tui Mine Track
From the summit of Mount Te Aroha, descend the stairways and steps on the north-east side. After about 20 minutes you reach Dog Kennel Flat, at an intersection with Mountain Road. Continue north to the Tui saddle, then descend steeply west down a rocky section.
Follow the road for about 15 minutes, then take a marked bush track on the left. Just below is the Tui Mine and its tailings. The track passes an old concrete explosives magazine, crosses Mountain Road and winds down through lowland forest of puriri and kohekohe.
The track leaves the park at the junction with the Tui Domain Track, which DOC gives 1 hour 30 minutes through regenerating forest and shallow streams to the Mokena Geyser. Side tracks lead out to Hamilton Street or to the No22 spring.
Summit Loop
DOC describes this track as the return leg of a loop with the Te Aroha Summit Track, also called the Bald Spur Track, which begins in Te Aroha Domain. Watch for cyclists where the track crosses a marked mountain bike track. Use Plan My Walk to check the weather before you go.
Track Conditions and Safety
DOC warns: “It can be very cold near the summit, pack warm clothes.” The summit is nearly 1 km above sea level, with alpine weather that can be much colder than the town. “No water on track, carry lots”: DOC suggests 2–3 L per person. “Be careful of historic mines”: tunnels and shafts can be hidden by vegetation, so stay on marked tracks and don’t enter tunnels unless they are marked for public access. Check DOC before you go and tell someone your plans.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Tui Mine Track (from Te Aroha Summit to town): 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 current conditions across the Kaimai Range.
Plan My Walk: weather, track alerts and a trip plan to share before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Tui Mine Track take?
DOC gives 3 hr 30 min one way from the summit to town.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Advanced, with a steep, rocky descent below the Tui saddle.
Where does it start and finish?
It starts at the summit of Mount Te Aroha and finishes at the Mokena Geyser in Te Aroha Domain, via the Tui Domain Track.
Can I take my dog?
No dogs.
Is there water?
No. DOC says to carry 2–3 L per person.
What history will I see?
The Tui Mine and its tailings, and an old concrete explosives magazine.
Can I bike it?
No. DOC says mountain biking is prohibited on this track.
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.