Thompsons Track Loop
New Zealand

Type of walk: Thompsons Track Loop walk takes you through native New Zealand bush with 2 small river crossings. The return is usually along motorbike track so is in open sun.

Time, overall:

4hr from Tauranga, including travel time of 1/2 hr each way.
Travel 3/4 hr to 1st river crossing
Walk for 1 hr to 2nd stream crossing
Lunch stop of 1/2 hr
Walk for 1 hr back to car park
Leave Tauranga 10:30, back at 2.30pm

Track conditions:

The route is an easy to follow benched track through lowland bush. The trickiest part is finding the starting point among the trees at the car parking area at the end of Thompson’s track road.

The Thompsons Track Loop comes out into the open for the return trip - make sure you have your sun block, hat and water bottle, and possibly stick or walking pole as this part of the track can be slippery clay.

Grading/Fitness required

Leisurely - walk unaided over uneven ground,

Recommendations:

Wear (or bring) shoes you don’t mind getting wet - the river crossings are a lot easier if you don’t mind getting your feet wet - the Kiwi way!
2 river crossings so not after heavy rain.
Walk is half in open so not advised for hot sunny day, or if it is hot and sunny, go back the same way through the bush.

Points of interest:

This route was proposed as a road across the Kaimais by the Matamata-Piako district council, but they were never able to convince Western Bay of Plenty to do their side!
The walk starts at the end of the point where there is a hole too big for a normal vehicle to get across - this is 4WD country!
Winery not far away, for that relaxing stop on the way back to your accommodation.

Website: This page:

Written by Kea Lippiatt.