- A steep climb through native bush in the Kaimai Ranges to an abandoned gold mine
- Real mine tunnels you can walk into, bring gumboots and a good torch
- A creek crossing near the start that can rise fast after heavy rain
- Dogs are not permitted on this track without a DOC hunting permit
Quick facts
| Location | North Island, NZ (Kaimai Ranges, near Katikati) |
| Distance | 3 km one way |
| Time needed | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Difficulty | Medium |
| Wheelchair Access | No |
| Route | One way (return the way you came) |
| Elevation | 400 m |
| Wet Feet | Yes |
| Toilets | No |
| Dogs | No (DOC hunting permit only) |
| Mobile Coverage | No |
Getting to Mt Eliza Mine Walk
From Katikati it is about 11 km to the Thompsons Track road end, and around 26 km if you are coming from Tauranga. Follow Thompsons Track all the way to its end, that is where you leave the car and start walking. The last stretch is a gravel road.
Thompsons Track now has a neighbour partway along, Waitekohekohe Recreational Park, with its own car parks for horse riding and mountain biking. Keep driving past those and go right to the very end of the road for the Mt Eliza Mine Walk, do not stop at the Waitekohekohe car parks.
Thompsons Track is sometimes closed to vehicles over winter, but that closure applies to the western, Te Aroha side of the road, not the Katikati side used for this walk. Check the current rules before you head out if there has been bad weather.
Do not leave your car at the road end overnight, it is not a good idea.
The walk
The Mt Eliza Mine walk starts flat along the Waitekohe river flats, then climbs all the way up to the old mine. About 15 minutes in you cross the Waitekohe creek, this is the only real hazard on the walk and it can come up after a day of heavy rain.
Around the 40 minute mark you reach a junction where the track to Mt Eliza Mine meets the north south track, the Motutapere Hut track and the Tuahu track. There is a small sign at the turn off. From here it is uphill all the way to the mine, through a clearing that was once the camp for the Mt Eliza mining company.
The last stretch to the mine entrance is only about 50 m from the turn off sign. The track through the bush can be damp and cold, so take a layer.
What you’ll see
Native Kaimai bush the whole way up, the old mining camp clearing, and the mine entrance itself. The tunnel goes in about 50 m before a cave in stops you. Inside, the roof is covered in cave weta and other creepy crawlies, so do not look up on your way in if that is not your thing. The Waitekohe creek is the only water source, right at the start of the walk.
Who it’s for
Walkers with reasonable fitness who do not mind a steep climb and a bit of history. It is not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies, and the climb and creek crossing make it a tough one for very young kids. Anyone keen to poke around an old mine tunnel will enjoy it.
When to go
Avoid this walk after heavy rain, the Waitekohe creek crossing near the start can become a real hazard. Dry settled weather also makes the climb up to the mine a lot more pleasant, the bush section holds damp and cold air even on a fine day.
Important stuff
- Dogs are not permitted in Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park, except for permitted hunters with hunting dogs. Leave the dog at home for this one.
- No toilets at the car park or on the track.
- No mobile coverage once you are on the track.
- Wet feet are likely, the creek crossing is unavoidable.
- Do not leave your car at the Thompsons Track road end overnight.
- If you go into the mine tunnel, take gumboots and a strong torch, the floor is uneven and it is pitch black.
My honest take
I walked into the mine for about 50 m to where it caves in. A pair of gumboots and a bright torch come in handy if you want to do the same. My tip, do not look up as you walk into the drive, there are hundreds of creepy things looking straight back down at you. The climb up is a decent leg burner but short, and standing in an actual gold mine tunnel in the Kaimais is worth the sweat.
Common questions
Is Mt Eliza Mine Walk dog friendly?
No. Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park does not allow dogs on this track, the only exception is permitted hunters with hunting dogs.
How long does the Mt Eliza Mine walk take?
Plan on about 1 hour 30 minutes for the 3 km one way walk up to the mine, longer if you stop to explore the tunnel.
Is Thompsons Track open all year?
The Katikati side used for this walk is generally open, but the Te Aroha side of Thompsons Track can close to vehicles over winter. Check the current rules if conditions have been wet.
Where do I park for Mt Eliza Mine Walk?
Drive to the very end of Thompsons Track. Do not stop at the newer Waitekohekohe Recreational Park car parks partway along, they are for a different reserve.
Other walks nearby
Back to Katikati Walks.
