Moonlight Track
Coromandel's forgotten gold miners' track
The Moonlight Track cuts deep into the Coromandel Peninsula’s gold country, following the original miners’ route that linked Thames to the remote Moonlight Battery site in the 1870s. The trail winds through regenerating native bush past collapsed mine shafts and rusted machinery, with the notorious Waiotahi Creek crossing at kilometer 12 claiming more than a few oil pans over the years. You’ll navigate narrow ridge lines where kauri stumps tell stories of the logging era before descending into steep gullies where the track becomes little more than a goat path.
This is proper backcountry driving that demands high clearance, low-range capability, and a winch for the creek crossings. Weather can shut down access fast – stick to dry periods between April and October. DOC permits aren’t required but respect the kauri dieback restrictions and pack everything out. What you get is raw New Zealand bush, genuine pioneer history, and the satisfaction of completing one of the Coromandel’s most challenging tracks. Cell service is non-existent beyond Thames.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Historic, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 28 mi / 45.1 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2100 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with winch |
| Nearest town | Thames, Waikato |
| Land manager | Department of Conservation |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Hilux or Patrol run Moonlight Track, or do I really need a winch?
A stock vehicle will get you into trouble here. The creek crossings and deep mud sections demand proper lift, lockers, and a winch — the trail listing requires a modified 4WD with a winch for good reason. Leave the unmodded daily driver at home.
What months is Moonlight Track actually driveable?
April through October is the recommended window — winter rains firm up the ground compared to the swampy summer conditions. Avoid it after heavy rainfall regardless of season; the creek crossings become dangerous and the clay surface turns into a greasy mess.
Do I need a permit or do I pay a fee to run Moonlight Track?
No permit or entry fee is required — the track runs through DOC-managed land and is publicly accessible. Check in with DOC Thames before heading out, as they can give you current track conditions and closures.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The creek crossings are where rigs get sorted out — some crossings have no bypass and water depth varies significantly after rain. Add in steep, rutted climbs through native bush with no room to pass oncoming vehicles, and you've got a trail that will test your lines and your recovery gear on the same day.
There's zero cell service on this trail — how do I handle 28 miles of remote track in the Coromandel?
Carry a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) — they're legally required for many NZ backcountry trips and practically mandatory here. File a trip intention with a contact back in Thames and bring enough fuel to cover the full 45km plus buffer, as there are no services between the trailhead and exit.
Trail track
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