10 October 2026
Mostly cloudy, then fine spells increasing in the afternoon. The odd shower until evening. Light winds, then northerlies developing in the afternoon.
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1 / 9Broken Hills area
Third Branch Loop Track
Stroll beside along a gentle stream and then follow an old tramline which climbs the hill to the east end of Collins Drive.
Distance
1.29 km
Walking time
45 mins
Difficulty
Easy
Dogs
On-lead only
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
No active alerts found. Conditions can still change, so check again before leaving.
Weather outlook
Coromandel Peninsula forecast
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 10:55 am
11 October 2026
Showers, easing for a time in the morning and afternoon. Northerlies, turning westerly in the morning.
12 October 2026
Showers becoming isolated in the morning but remaining cloudy. Westerlies, turning northerly for a time in the morning and afternoon.
13 October 2026
Partly cloudy, with a few showers in the afternoon. Westerlies.
14 October 2026
A few showers clearing to fine in the afternoon. Northwesterlies.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Third Branch Loop Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
Essential information for Third Branch Loop Track
Mine tunnels and shafts are very dangerous and may be hidden by vegetation. Keep to marked official tracks. Do not enter tunnels unless they are clearly marked for public access. Carry a torch with fresh batteries. Warm clothing is recommended.
Kauri protection guide
Stop kauri disease and protect kauri Scrub all soil off shoes and gear. Use cleaning stations. Always stay on the track. How you can help save kauri
Huts and campsites
Broken Hills campsite is a standard DOC campsite with 45 non-powered tent sites. Bookings are required . Camp rangers service the campsite during summer.
Getting there for Third Branch Loop Track
Broken Hills is 19km from Tairua and 27km from Whangamata. This track starts closest to Puketui Road, however walkers must wade across Third Branch Stream to enter the tracks from Puketui Road. Puketui Road entrance Access is off the Kopu-Hikuai Road (SH25a), 26km from Thames. Turn on to Puketui Road 400 m before the Tairua River and Fourth Branch Scenic Reserve. A 4km gravel road brings you to the Puketui Road car park at the southern end of Broken Hills. You will need to wade the stream to access the track system as there is no bridge across the water. Use this location in Google Maps to find your way there. Puketui Valley Road /Broken Hills Campsite entrance Turn off SH25 at Hikuai onto Morrison’s Road (50 m north of the Pauanui turn off) then onto Puketui Valley Road. It is 6km to the car park at the end of Puketui Valley Road. Note: Tairua River Bridge, one km short of the road end, has a 10-tonne weight limit. Use this location in Google Maps to find your way there. Park at the end of the road, then follow Puketui Walk for 900m (15 mins) to the start of the loop walk.
Helpful resources
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . We recommend trying these online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping/field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel .
Dog access for Third Branch Loop Track
Dogs on a leash only
Before you walk Third Branch Loop Track
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.