Last updated November 2026
The Coppermine Loop Track is a 4.1 km loop in Ruahine Forest Park near Woodville, about 28 km from Palmerston North, and DOC describes it as a more strenuous option than the Coppermine Track. It starts from the end of Coppermine Road. DOC grades it as an advanced tramping track and times it at 2–3 hours.
The top part of the loop crosses farmland with views across southern Hawke’s Bay, and there are steep drop-offs beside parts of the track.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had no alert for the loop itself, but had a long-term closure on the neighbouring Coppermine Track from the car park to the first junction, so check DOC before you go and tell someone your plans.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Coppermine Loop Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Coppermine Road end, off Pinfold Road near Woodville
- Distance from the city
- About 28 km from Palmerston North
- Walking time
- 2–3 hr loop
- Track length
- 4.1 km loop
- Grade
- Advanced (DOC: advanced tramping track)
- Dogs
- Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only
- Connects to
- Coppermine Track and Wharite Peak Track
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open with a DOC alert when checked on 18 October 2026 (Coppermine Track, which shares this road end, closed from the car park to the first junction by a slip). Check DOC before you go.
- Track markers
- On marked bush tracks, DOC and most councils use orange triangles for the walking route. Triangles or tape in other colours, usually pink or blue, mark pest-control lines and traps. They can lead off the track, so don’t follow them.
About Coppermine Loop Track
This loop gives walkers on the Coppermine Track a harder way back to the car park. Rather than retracing your steps, you come back by a different route, making a full circuit from the Coppermine Road end.
The upper part of the loop runs through farmland, and that’s where the views open up across southern Hawke’s Bay. Because you’re crossing working farmland, don’t disturb stock and leave gates as you find them.
DOC warns of steep drop-offs next to parts of the track, so take care and keep to the marked route. With an advanced grade and a 2–3 hour time, it suits fit walkers with some tramping experience who want more of a workout than the straight return walk.
The loop also links with the Wharite Peak Track, which DOC says can be reached from the northern end where it meets the Coppermine Track or Coppermine Loop Track.
Getting There
DOC places Coppermine Road 10 km from Woodville, which is 85 km from Napier on State Highway 2. From Woodville, travel north east along Pinfold Road for 9 km, then turn left into Coppermine Road. The track starts from the road end.
Track Conditions and Safety
Slips are common in this unstable, erosion-prone area and DOC says they sometimes close tracks. When we checked on 18 October 2026, the Coppermine Track, which shares this road end, had a long-term DOC alert for a large slip between the car park and the first junction, so read the alerts on both DOC pages before you set out.
Keep well back from the drop-offs, stick to the marked route and respect the farmland on the upper section. Use Plan My Walk to check conditions, and tell someone your plans.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Coppermine Loop Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Ruahine Forest Park: the wider park, its tracks and huts, and current alerts.
Plan My Walk: plan your trip, check track alerts and weather, and share your plans with someone you trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Coppermine Loop Track take?
DOC times the 4.1 km loop at 2–3 hours.
How is it different from the Coppermine Track?
DOC describes the loop as a more strenuous option for returning to the car park than the Coppermine Track, with views across southern Hawke’s Bay from the top section.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it as an advanced tramping track. There are steep drop-offs beside parts of the track.
Is the loop open?
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had no alert on the loop itself, but the neighbouring Coppermine Track was closed from the car park to the first junction because of a slip. Check DOC before you go.
Are dogs allowed?
Only dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes.
Does the track cross farmland?
Yes, the top portion passes through farmland. Don’t disturb stock and leave gates as you find them.
Where does it start?
At the end of Coppermine Road, 10 km from Woodville via Pinfold Road.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.