A 180-meter waterfall. That’s the view from Billy Goat Point. Billy Goat Point isn’t just a point of land it’s a historical landmark steeped in the rich heritage of Kauri logging. Imagine the rugged landscape of the 1880s. The Stone Brothers held the contract to log the Kauaeranga area. Their subcontractor Sam Webb a man whose name lives on in Webb’s Creek attempted to log the Billy Goat basin. He envisioned driving logs over the impressive Billy Goat Falls. The result was utter disaster. Most logs smashed to splinters on impact.
This early attempt at logging Billy Goat Point highlights a key challenge the sheer power and height of the waterfall. The innovative solution arrived in the 1920s with the Kauri Timber Company. They constructed a remarkable incline a tramway to bypass the falls. Two local identities Tony Voykovich and Frank Kumerich built this impressive structure using their bush experience and ingenuity. Voykovich even employed cambering on sharp curves a testament to his practical skills.
The tramway itself is another compelling piece of Billy Goat Point’s story. It involved a steam winch to haul logs from the bush to the railhead. A Fordson rail tractor from A&G Prices’ Foundry in Thames moved logs along the track. Another winch lowered them down the steep incline. At Billy Goat Landing the logs were unloaded and moved on to the main Kauaeranga tramway. Remnants of this tramway including trestles cuttings and rail sections are still visible today. You can see them on the track.
Billy Goat Point offers more than just historical significance. It provides stunning panoramic views to the north. From here you can see Mullet Station Waikarapupu and Sandy Bays. It’s a place of breathtaking natural beauty a testament to the resilience of the landscape. The military sites at Billy Goat Point add yet another layer of history. These sites serve as silent witnesses to a different era adding to the intrigue and complexity of this place. Exploring these tunnels requires a torch. It is an essential piece of equipment when you are on this part of the track.
So take a moment to soak it all in. Billy Goat Point is more than just a geographical feature. It’s a living testament to the ingenuity of man the power of nature and the enduring legacy of a bygone era. It’s a story etched into the very landscape a story waiting to be discovered. Enjoy your exploration of Billy Goat Point. Remember to bring water sunscreen and a sunhat. Have a safe and memorable adventure.