Tui Mine Track (from Te Aroha Summit to town)

Located in Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park in the Bay of Plenty region

A longer track from Te Aroha town to the summit of Te Aroha, via the historic Tui Mine.

This track is described from Te Aroha summit to Te Aroha, as part of a loop with Te Aroha Summit Track.

This track begins at the Mount Te Aroha Summit and leads back to Te Aroha. Descend from the summit via the stairways and steps on the northeast side. Dog Kennel Flat is reached after 20 minutes at an intersection with Mountain Road.

The route then continues north to the Tui saddle before descending steeply to the west down a rocky section and then follows the road for about 15 minutes before taking a marked bush track on the left. Just below here is the Tui Mine and tailings.

The track passes an old concrete explosives magazine, crosses the Mountain Road and meanders down through lowland forest of puriri and kohekohe leaving the park at the junction with the Tui Domain Track.

Follow the Tui Domain Track through regenerating native forest and shallow mountain streams for 1 hour 30 minutes to reach the Mokena Geyser in the Te Aroha Domain. Side tracks offer alternate exits to Hamilton Street or a detour to the No22 spring. Look out for cyclists as you cross the marked mountain bike track.

Mountain biking

Mountain biking is prohibited.

Te Aroha Summit Track (also called Bald Spur Track) begins in the Te Aroha Domain.

It can be very cold near the summit, pack warm clothes

The summit of Te Aroha is nearly 1 km above sea level. It experiences alpine weather and can be far colder than temperatures in Te Aroha. Even if it’s warm in the town, pack plenty of warm layers and a waterproof raincoat.

No water on track, carry lots

There are no water sources on the track and the long climb means walkers need lots of water. We recommend carrying 2-3 L of water per person.

Find a day hikes packing list here

Be careful of historic mines

Mine Tunnels and shafts are dangerous and may be hidden by vegetation.

  • Keep to marked official tracks
  • Do not enter tunnels unless they are clearly marked for public access.