Mt Eliza
Located in the Kaimai Ranges, Mt Eliza includes a side-trip to an old mine shaft.
| List Status | Unofficial |
| Elevation | 581 m (1,906 ft) |
| Location/List | North Island, New Zealand |
| Region | Bay of Plenty/East Coast |
| Location Coordinates | 37° 38′ 36″ S, 175° 51′ 21″ E |
| Nearest Town/s | Katikati, Tauranga
|
| LINZ Topographic map/s | BD35 Matamata |
| Range | Kaimais |
| Translation | Mt Eliza is located on map BD35, but the main access is on BD36, via Thomson’s Track. |
| Recommended Route | |
|---|---|
Duration  |
4-5.5 hours |
| Distance | 13 km (8.1 mi) |
| Start/End Points | Thomson’s Track carpark |
| Difficulty |
Medium |
| Track conditions |
4WD Road, Track, Marked Route, Mud, Stream/River Crossings |
| Season |
Year Round |
| Sights | Views, Bush |
| Hazards | Mud |
Getting There
Drive to Thomson’s Track carpark – south from Katikati or north from Tauranga.
Google Earth Map
Our Recommended Route
Head up Thomson’s Track to the main ridge. This track has areas that are very muddy with large mud holes created by 4WD vehicles. From the ridge there are good views west into the Waikato and east back towards the coast north of Tauranga. Head north along the ridge, following the track towards Motutapere and the Mt Eliza turnoff. This section alternates between open grassland and bush. The Mt Eliza turnoff is a signposted junction in the bush. The Mt Eliza summit is very flat and there’s no clear sign that you have reached it. Down the other side is very steep, leading down to the Mt Eliza mine shaft and the Waitekohe stream.
Route Options
There are long and short options. The long option is decsribed above; the short option follows the instructions on the DOC website.