Home Urban-Rural There are many places in the Bay of Plenty where nature is close to our homes. Kaimai-Mamaku The western ranges of the Bay of Plenty are a living museum of the regions natural and human history. Whirinaki Forest 'Dinosaur' forests of giant trees many centuries old. The eastern ranges of the Bay of Plenty are remote and untouched. Lakes And Geothermal Beautiful lakes, distinctive volcanic landscapes and unique geothermal sites are special features of the Bay of Plenty. Coastal Pohutukawa fringed beaches and golden sand. Bay of Plenty's coastal environment is beautiful.

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Kaimai-Mamaku

The western ranges of the Bay of Plenty are a living museum of the region's natural and human history.

Wairongomai Valley

Click for Contact Details A prospector, Hone Werahiko found gold in the Waiorongomai Valley in 1881. Expensive
engineering projects failed due to low yields from the unexpectedly hard rock of the
enormous gold bearing reef. One of these projects is the Piako County Tramway, New
Zealand oldest tramway still on site and is a showcase historic site for the Department of
Conservation.
Hunting Deer, wild pigs, goats and more can be found in various locals around the Bay of Plenty. Information Need maps, help or advice when in the area - check out our Information Centres. Tramping There are numerous excellent tracks to experience in the Bay of Plenty. Walking A cool casual walk taking in the beautiful Bay of Plenty scenery can be a great way to wind down. Historical The way things used to be, preserved lest we forget.


How to Get There

Waiorongomai Valley can be accessed on Waiorongomai Loop Road off State Highway
29, south of Te Aroha.



Attractions and Facilities

The Low Level Loop Track (4hrs return) from the carpark at Waiorongomai Loop Road climbs
gradually through regenerating native bush. Continuing up the valley from a T junction, the
track soon reaches the base of Butler Incline. The Loop Track then follows the tramway down
the valley. Walkers can climb the incline (30mins) and walk along the tramway, up the May Queen
Incline and through a short, dark tunnel to the end of the tramway at Premier Creek. Return
the same way for a 3hr round trip, using a side track to avoid walking down Butler Incline, to
protect it from erosion.



Please Remember

Dogs, horses, vehicles (including bicycles and motorbikes), fires, removal of plants or
animals,and hunting without a permit are not permitted.Mine tunnels and shafts are dangerous
and may be hidden by vegetation. Keep to official tracks and do not enter tunnels unless
they are clearly marked for public access.

Multimedia Gallery...
If you wish to view the Wairongomai Valley info plus accompanying map, for easy printing, click on the "View Fact Sheet" button above. Please be patient - depending on connection speed it sometimes takes a while for the file to be displayed. Download in PDF
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Protect plants and animals.
Remove rubbish.
Bury toilet waste.
Keep streams and lakes clean.
Take care with fires.
Camp carefully.
Keep to the track.
Consider others.
Respect our cultural heritage.
Enjoy your visit.

Toitu te Whenua
(Leave the land undisturbed).

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© Copyright. Destination Outdoors Bay of Plenty is the product of a Department of Conservation (Bay of Plenty Conservancy) initiative promoting recreational opportunities for people to learn about the natural, historical and cultural significance of the Bay of Plenty.
Please contact 0064 09 349 7400 for more information.