Access

East of the Kaimai Summit, turn into Old Kaimai Road. The West Henderson Tram Track starts from a parking area by the Tuakopae Stream Bridge, 2.4km from the southern end and 3.7km from the northern end of Old Kaimai Road.

The North Henderson Tram Track start from a signposted parking bay on the roadside, 1.9km from the northern end and 4.2km from the southern end of Old Kaimai Road.

Track

Both branches of the track link with the North South Track, which traverses the Kaimai Range. To complete the loop, you will need to walk 20 minutes along Old Kaimai Road. Both tracks are marked with orange triangles.

The West Henderson Tram Track takes 1¼ hours to reach the North South Track, reaching evidence of the tramline after 25 minutes. Watch for the short detour to a waterfall and swimming hole after 5 minutes.

The North Henderson Tram Track takes 1½ hours to reach the North South Track. After briefly crossing farmland, there are two stream crossings in 5 minutes (wet feet are unavoidable). Follow the old deer fence to another two stream crossings. The track then follows the old tram route and can be waterlogged after periods of rain.

The section of the North South Track takes 40 minutes. It is narrow and occasionally overgrown. After rain, sections of the track can be waterlogged.

European History

The southern Mangatotara Forest was logged from 1936 by the Henderson Timber Company. Podocarp and hardwood species were extracted using the bush tramline in evidence today. Haulers were later replaced by tractors, which were used to pull the logs on trucks.

The rimu extracted grew at altitude and was noted as being of high quality, especially useful for building and furniture. The mill closed in 1957, when all available resources had been used up.