Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway

Choose between short strolls, or a four-hour walk through this stunning, historic gorge.

Where is it?

Set between the old gold-mining towns of Waihi and Paeroa, between the Coromandel and Kaimai ranges.

Terrain

Rocky paths, bush tracks, riversides, old rail corridors.

Take care

The Hauraki Rail Trail cycleway shares some of these paths, so keep your eyes and ears out for bikes. And take a torch for the tunnels.

Track Overview

Cross the swing bridge and then start exploring the trails. At 2.5km, the Rail Tunnel Loop is 90min of easy walking, starting at the Ohinemuri River and passing through native bush with two notable man-made marvels, the Crown Battery Site stamper, built in 1892 for crushing quartz, and an 1100m tunnel. The Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway is 7km, 4hr return, another easy walk that also follows the river with old gold-mining relics providing an archaeological atmosphere. This walkway includes three bridges, a waterfall, smooth river rocks and many swimming spots. The Windows Walk is 2km return with secret tunnels and those eponymous windows cut through rock to look out to the river. You’ll find numerous information panels which really help bring history to life.

Need to Know

Dogs on a lead permitted

TIME & DISTANCE: 45min loop; 2.5km or 4hr loop; 7km

FITNESS: Walk to suit every fitness level

Looking for a place to stay? Find a huge range of accommodation options, including discounts for AA Members, at travel.aa.co.nz/Hotels

Main Image: Karangahake Gorge ore cart © Kaimai Heritage