Ram Track @ Top Tracks.info

Where is it?

If walking the Northern Circuit in a clockwise direction, this track would be the final part before North Egmont. Otherwise you would begin at the Kaiauai Car Park.

More likely you would be descending from North Egmont, so walk up the road to the Camp House and head to the right of the building to the Veronica Loop track. Begin this by going down the steps. If at this point you are climbing steps, you are on the Holly Hut track.

The recommended time on the Veronica Loop before you come to the Ram Track junction that branches to the right, is 30 minutes. From here you begin a steady downhill walk over uneven ground, with no steps, just tree roots to negotiate. Nearing the end is a short but very steep downhill section that will require a level of agility, but for children this should be no greater challenge than most adventure playgrounds.

You then come to an old track junction, with no sign. (Going left takes you to the old three wire bridge that is no longer there.) Head right going across a stream, then through a very boggy section before a steep uphill climb on steps to the track junction to the Waiwhakaiho Car Park. (This is a straight forward track, but an unnecessary detour.) Continue straight on the Kaiauai Car Park (road).

As this track goes from the Visitor Centre to the access road, and isn’t too big a challenge, school groups should consider it in their plans, as their transport could pick them up two kilometres below at the Kaiauai Car Park. You would need to identify this car park with the driver(s) on your way up, as it is small and easy to miss.

Features

Changing vegetation, views, tramping experience

Track Surface

Even after much rain the surface is very good. The only problem might be about 10-15 minutes from the Kaiauai Car Park where there is a river crossing and large bog that is nearly unavoidable.

Accessibility

Most people could handle this either way.

Dangers

Walking along the cliff, children will need to be prepped on this, there are no barriers, and it is a long way down. Sensible shoes for the walk, expect to get them muddy and/or wet.


Ram Track
DoC recommended times and track type:
2 hours each way
tramping track
The Ram Track provides a wonderful introduction to tramping for individuals or groups. Beginning at the Camp House at North Egmont it descends to the Kaiauai Car Park on the access road. It is a steady descent, often along the top edge of a cliff above the Ram Stream.

Where is it? If walking the Northern Circuit in a clockwise direction, this track would be the final part before North Egmont. Otherwise you would begin at the Kaiauai Car Park. More likely you would be descending from North Egmont, so walk up the road to the Camp House and head to the right of the building to the Veronica Loop track. Begin this by going down the steps. If at this point you are climbing steps, you are on the Holly Hut track. The recommended time on the Veronica Loop before you come to the Ram Track junction that branches to the right, is 30 minutes. From here you begin a steady downhill walk over uneven ground, with no steps, just tree roots to negotiate. Nearing the end is a short but very steep downhill section that will require a level of agility, but for children this should be no greater challenge than most adventure playgrounds. You then come to an old track junction, with no sign. (Going left takes you to the old three wire bridge that is no longer there.) Head right going across a stream, then through a very boggy section before a steep uphill climb on steps to the track junction to the Waiwhakaiho Car Park. (This is a straight forward track, but an unnecessary detour.) Continue straight on the Kaiauai Car Park (road). As this track goes from the Visitor Centre to the access road, and isn’t too big a challenge, school groups should consider it in their plans, as their transport could pick them up two kilometres below at the Kaiauai Car Park. You would need to identify this car park with the driver(s) on your way up, as it is small and easy to miss. Features Changing vegetation, views, tramping experience Track Surface Even after much rain the surface is very good. The only problem might be about 10-15 minutes from the Kaiauai Car Park where there is a river crossing and large bog that is nearly unavoidable. Accessibility Most people could handle this either way. Dangers Walking along the cliff, children will need to be prepped on this, there are no barriers, and it is a long way down. Sensible shoes for the walk, expect to get them muddy and/or wet.

This information was gathered while on site in 2004.