Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate

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Woods Mill Track

Putaruru, Waikato

Submitted by Linda Downes

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 13 ?

Gnarl Factor: 45 ?

8.0km

260m

260m

508m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Out and Back

Undulating, small hills only

Native bush

Riverside

Run Makeup

5%
85%
10%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +6.6%

Average Downhill Gradient: -6.7%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

1:45

Slow

1:20

Moderate

0:50

Fast

About 200 metres of a grassy access track leads to the old tramway track, which makes an easy descent towards an old mill site. A  few leftover rusty objects are laying around so watch where you put your feet. This track doesn't really get maintained so there's a lot obstacles to duck under and go over, especially when you're close to Waiomou stream, where it gets very tree rooty too. The track then continues along the main tramway to a ridge above the Waiomou Stream, following the orange DoC triangles, The track then descends the end of this ridge into the Waiomou Stream and finishes at a 3m-high beautiful waterfall and a sign that says Woods Mill track end. Return the same way!

Tramways, Old mine objects

If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.

There is enough parking a 10+ cars

23 km

17 minutes

Unknown

No

Moderate.

Follow the DoC triangles and signage provided

Patchy.

Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Compass, Map, Gaiters

There is a stream at the turnaround point that should be fine to drink from

It can be muddy in parts of the tramway

There are lots of hazards throughout due to the over-growness of the trail and it being a tramway to a old mill site. There are objects hidden in the grass section. At the bottom of the descent near the Waiomou stream there are lots of tree roots and obstacles.

Trail Legend

Raewyn Peters

Raewyn Peters

has completed Woods Mill Track once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

I enjoyed it few windfalls, some boggy bits and the old tram sleepers to watch out for cause slippy as but yeah I thought it was good and not very techical

John Carman

May 17, 2023

Probably nice in Summer - but boggy and sloppy in winter. Ok though.

Rob Holm

August 10, 2022

Rainy, boggy, slippy, rooty, muddy! But with all the rain the waterfall was magnificent! Utterly soaked to the skin, I enjoyed it, however my running buddy was less than impressed! 🙈 maybe worth waiting for a finer day for most! 😂

Lauren Mai Anderson

October 31, 2021

This was great little 8km in & out run. Would highly recommend for someone new to trail running, as 95% great very runnable track, with just odd little tricky bits. Since most of it is old tram track, its nice & wide with gentle gradient. Initial bit off side of road is pretty weed infested & there are a couple of clearings you pass through- with tall rank grass that can be a bit tricky keeping on track, but markers are there if you slow down & look. The 1st stream you cross is has nice pols to sit in to cool down, then up over small ridge to bigger main stream with excellent bigger water fall. So if ever heading to Rotorua allow an extra 1.5-2.0hrs & have a wee adventure. Is listed under Waikato trails rather than Bay of Plenty (Rotorua).

Glen Brownlee

February 4, 2021

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