Thompsons Track runs from near Te Aroha in the Waikato over the Kaimai Ranges to Katikati in the Bay of Plenty, however only the West side from Te Aroha to the summit is really rideable by adventure bikes as the East side passes through huge peat bogs and the track contains holes that would swallow a large 4×4.
The track condition varies constantly depending on how much rain there has been recently and how many 4×4’s have driven up. Much of the surface consists of clay , which when wet turns into a thick gluggy gluey mess with little traction and it will stick to everything causing front tyres to jam against low guards and rear tyres to scrape against swingarms.
Thompsons is very popular with the 4×4 community so there is a very high chance of coming across 4×4’s while travelling in either direction, the 4x4s have made a mess of the track and it is usually very rutted, it is also common to see 4x4s crashing through the native bush so be wary even if there isn’t an obvious track in sight. Thompsons track tends to attract 4wd idiots, rather than responsible drivers.
We don’t have from the end of the seal on the East side to the summit so on the GPS track you’ll these 2 points joined by a straight line. If you ride this section and record a GPS track for it send the track into us and we can update things here.
As of November 18th 2024 gates are being installed at the entrance to Thompsons track allowing access during summer months, but closing the track to all vehicles over Winter months. Exactly when summer and winter change over is still to be confirmed.
Contributed by: @eddieb
Track type: Dirt track
Track composition: Bumpy, Firm/Muddy, Undulating
Slippery when wet? Yes
Suitable for bikes <650cc? Experienced
Suitable for bikes >650cc? Not Recommended
River crossings? No
This update has just come out from the local Regional and District councils, gates are going onto Thompsons Track to allow access over summer and close it over winter.