Karangahake
Gorge 
The Karangahake Gorge, between Waihi and Paeroa
is packed with gold-mining history and many
of the old relics of the gold mining days
are accessible through a variety of walks.
This area was once the busiest and most lucrative
gold mining area in New Zealand.
The Waikino Cafe located
in the Gorge (7.5km from Waihi and 15km from
Paeroa), hosts a Visitor Centre that has displays
with information showing the attractions of
the Karangahake Gorge area. Shorter and longer
walks along the Ohinemuri and Waitawheta Rivers
take visitors through beautiful countryside,
historic gold mining sites and mine tunnels.
TIP:
As an alternative way of getting to the Karangahake
Gorge, Goldfields
Steam Train operate a daily service between
the Waihi Railway
Station and Waikino Station Café.
Karangahake
Gorge
Historic Walkway
This fascinating walk follows the old Paeroa
to Waihi railway line, with the remainder
of the track following the banks of the Ohinemuri
River. Old mine buildings and machinery can
be seen from a number of locations along the
walkway.
Directions: Situated between Paeroa and Waihi,
and is serviced by four carparks, located
at the Waikino Visitor Centre, Waitawheta
Road, Karangahake Reserve and Crown Hill Road.
Time: Two hours
one-way. (Allow 45 minutes for the loop section.)
Distance is 7 kilometres incorporating a 2
km loop walk).
Talisman
Battery Windows Walk
Latest developments by the Department of Conservation
in the Karangahake Gorge have seen the upgrade
of this track. Along the track visitors can
observe relics of the many processes that
took place in extracting gold - from the tunnels
where rock was extracted, to the roasting
pits where the rock was broken down, and finally
remnants of the huge stamper battery processing
plant. The Talisman battery, built in the
1890s was huge in its day, with 50 stampers
crushing rock around the clock.
Further initiatives in the development of this walkway are the reconstruction of the tramlines that were used to transport rock to the battery and a number of interpretive boards will be mounted along the walk.
Directions: Just off SH2 between Paeroa and Waihi. The walk starts in the Karangahake Gorge carpark area.
Time: About an hour round trip, though it's easy to linger longer.
Tip:
Ensure you stop at the Visitor Centre at the Waikino Café to look at the old black and white photos to get an idea of the size of the community that flourished in the Karangahake Gorge during the gold mining era.
Waitawheta
Tramway
The Waitawheta Tramway was constructed between
1896 and 1910 to transport kauri logs out
of the Waitawheta Valley. The valley is another
example of early pioneers pillaging the land
and reminders of their activities still remain
including the tramway. Today the route of
the old tramway forms a walking track through
the spectacular cliffs and bluffs of the gorge.
Directions: The track is located in the Waitawheta
Valley and can be accessed from Waihi along
SH2. From Waihi travel on SH2 towards Paeroa,
turn left onto the Waitawhta Road, 2km past
the Waikino Cafe. Continue along the Waitawheta
Road and turn right into Franklin Road until
the road ends. Access to the track is over
farmland, 200m past the carpark.
Time: 6-7 hours
return. Visitors can overnight in the Waitawheta
Hut (fairly basic) at the end of the track.
Note: The track
includes six crossings of the Waitawhata river.
Visitors should not attempt to walk the track
if conditions are wet as the river can rise
quickly.
TIP
For those people wanting a full interpretation
of this area operator runs guided walks around
the area. Click
here for operator details.
Victoria Battery Site
The Victoria Battery site was erected in 1897 by the Waihi Gold Mining Company and was considered the largest and most advanced facility of its type in the country. 200 stampers were used to crush the gold-bearing quartz.
Directions: The loop walk starts and finishes at the Waikino Railway Station.
Time A one-hour loop
Karangahake Tunnel
Karangahake Tunnel loop walk takes you along the Ohinemuri River and over the lower Waitawheta River where you will be amongst New Zealand native flora. A stunning surprise towards the end is the 1100m walk through the old railway tunnel, an experience all of its own. Upon finishing this walk you will pass the Crown Battery site, which was constructed in 1892 and later enlarged, to accommodate 60 stampers for crushing quartz.
Directions: This walk can start at the main Karangahake carpark or at the carpark by the Karangahake Hall - North of the Main Karangahake car park
Time: 45 minutes loop
Tip: Take a torch
Windows Walk
The Windows Walk is a spectacular one hour loop walk beginning at the lower Waitawheta Gorge Bridge, taking you through a tunnel which has window-like openings and allowing you to look down on the river gorge far below. Cross the Waitawheta Gorge Bridge to return back along the other side of the river, or take a short side trip to the remains of the Woodstock Pumphouse. Continue through the tunnel to link with the Crown Track
Directions: This walk starts at the main carpark at The Karangahake Reserve
Time: 1 hour loop
Crown Tramway Track to Dickey Flat
Beginning at the Confluence of the Ohinemuri and the Waitawheta Rivers, this walk takes you up the Waitawheta River through the Waitawheta Gorge Tunnels to the remains of the Woodstock Pumphouse (take a torch), and then across the suspension bridge to continue on to the Crown Stope. Horse Drawn ore skip bins transported equipment and ore to and from the mines using this route.
Continuing on from the Crown Stope, this easy, scenic river walk passes through beautiful bush and good swimming holes. A torch is needed for the 180m tunnel. Five minutes from the tunnel exit is a suspension bridge and then a track junction. Turn to the left to Dickey Flat campsite, a further 10 minutes walk. The Dubbo 96 track is accessed on the right.
Directions: This walk starts at the carpark by the Karangahake Hall - North of the Main Karangahake car park. You can also start it 10 minutes further in at the Main carpark at the Karangahake Reserve.
Time: 4 hours return
Tip: Take a torch
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