Waitawheta Tramway
Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park
- 3 hr return via same track
- Easy/medium
This is any easy overnight tramp in the Kiamai ranges. It follows the path of an old logging tramway up the Waitawheta river to the new Waitawheta hut at an old sawmill site.
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9 members checked in
Walking time
|
2 days
3 hr
|
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Distance
|
17.0km |
Type
|
Return via same track
|
Grade
|
Easy/medium |
Bookings
|
No bookings — open access
No — open access
|
Starts
|
Franklin Road, Waihi |
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Maps
|
NZTopo50-BC35
|
Altitude
|
140m
–
340m
Altitude change 200m
|
This track starts at the DOC carpark just before the Franklin road end. It follows the road for a few hundred meters and then along farmland for a few kilometers. It then follows the old tramway along the river. The track is now a cleared 2-3 metre wide track most of the way and is still being cleared by DOC by a small digger. The track crosses the river eight times, with two being bridged. The other six times it crosses at old tramway bridge sites and uasually require your feet to get wet. It is flat the entire way exept small banks at the river crossings. after the sixth crossing is the site of the old grassy flats hut, and there is still the old long drop toilet so it is a great site for camping. a few kilometers on is the hut which is on the site of the old saw mill the tramway served. It is filled with old relics and has two short loop walks around the area. A major hazard on this walk is river level. Weather forcasts MUST be checked before starting to make sure ther is no significant rain before or during a trip. If in doubt, do not atempt. This trip is best enjoyed in summer, although it can be very busy. River crossing skills a must.
If any one finds this info usefull or does this track please leave a comment.
If you would like more info please contact me, smivo, by email at ltsmivo@gmail.com
If any one finds this info usefull or does this track please leave a comment.
If you would like more info please contact me, smivo, by email at ltsmivo@gmail.com