Paeroa to Waihi map

To reach Waihi from Paeroa, you’ll cycle through the spectacular Karangahake Gorge and the tiny settlement of Waikino - arguably the highlight of the Hauraki Rail Trial, and particularly if you’re interested in New Zealand’s early mining history.

This section of the journey takes in the Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway and Windows Walk with its ‘windows’ out to the Ohinemuri River below. Refer to www.doc.govt.nz for more information on the sites of historical interest, and the walkway. Mining has changed a great deal since the first cyanidation plant in the world was established at the Crown Mine at Karangahake, in 1889. By 1892 there were six cyanide plants on the Ohinemuri Goldfield, depositing tailings containing cyanide directly into the Ohinemuri River from various mining operations. The trail takes you across Ohinemuri River Bridge 2, to the Karangahake Winery Estate where you can treat yourself to a range of tastings. From here you’ll ride the 1km Karangahake tunnel through the gold-rich Coromandel range, emerging into the gorge, peacefully secluded from road noise. Nature takes over the senses, and if mining history isn’t your thing, take short detours to view signposted waterfalls of different height and shape. Among the earliest embracers of the opportunity presented by the trail was Brad and Emma King of the Falls Retreat, who’ve grown their bistro to offer boutique accommodation and a variety of experiences where you can learn about their paddock to plate, community ethos. Their family run business sources local and homegrown products as much as possible and local school students are among those benefiting from learning. Cooking and gardening workshops are hosted here, along with weddings and other celebrations against the backdrop of the beautiful Owharoa Falls.

Plan time to visit The Victoria Battery Tramway Society’s Victoria Battery Mine Railway and Museum. Take a ride on the diesel train and put your hard hat on for an underground tour with one of their knowledgeable local guides. This attraction relies on volunteers, so if you’ve got some skills and time on your hands, and have ever had a hankering to drive a train, help with exhibits and models in a little museum and talk to visitors, make sure you get in touch. Not far from the museum is the Waikino Tavern, which has been around since 1897. Discover the history when you get there by taking in the atmosphere, chatting to the locals, or visit www.waikinohotel.nz to find out what is on offer.

Goldfields Rail journey from Waikino to Waihi

Karangahake, Waikino to Waihi by Joe Kelly

Published from the Ohinemuri Regional History Journal

“January 1931 – Anniversary Day. I stepped off the bus from Auckland and took a look at Waikino. Half a dozen shops a tiny post office and a pub comprised the business section of the town. I was not impressed. I picked up my bag and set off for the Battery which was located a few hundred yards further down the road.

Over a wooden bridge across the Ohinemuri River – on the north side was a clear stream fringed with willows, and on the south a turgid muddy creek befouled by the tailings which ran out from a tail race.

Continuing to the main administrative building to report my arrival on transfer from the Auckland office of the Waihi Gold Mining Company, I met a cold reception from the superintendent who expressed his disapproval of the move. Then a search for lodgings which I eventually found in Waihi four miles away in a tiny room where a pink candle provided the only illumination. A sleepless night fighting a losing battle with the insect life which scented new blood, and up early to breakfast. And it was there I met an entertaining character by the name of Mick Crosby. His comments regarding the piece of steak set before him for his breakfast, and the doubts which he expressed to our landlady concerning its origin, brightened my day.” - Ohinemuri Regional History Journal 15, June 1971 Ohinemuri Regional History. Joe said he found it difficult to reconcile the primitive working conditions and substandard housing rusty roof housing that the prosperous Company provided for its highly qualified tradesmen. But he writes that in those days any job was a job and gold mining was one of the few industries which were not adversely affected by the world-wide depression. Waikino was a closely-knit community of a few hundred people with various social and sporting activities and the community hall as the centre for the many social events, lodge meetings, movies and parties, he observed. “They were a fine people and I still count many of them among my closest friends.”

It seems some things rarely change through time.

Waikino Hotel has lived many lives, and its latest will include a muchimproved variety of craft beer, a gin distillery and extensive menu to draw rail trailers.

Under new management, the historic tavern is exhibiting local artist’s work and has a new chef to draw people in from what was previously a more workingmen’s club atmosphere. “It’s a beautiful place,” says Wayne Chowles, the manager. “The renovations in 2018 were done to a very high standard and it just screams craft pub, it’s something special.” Cyclists traverse the bridge over the river to get to the pub and can access food from noon until 8pm every day. Accommodation is a work in progress but a bach behind the hotel is available to rent with bookings via the website.

The hotel’s history is online at waikinohotel.nz, explaining it was originally the Mackaytown Hotel and moved to Waikino in April 1926 by bullock team through the gorge. A hotel existed prior to this building, but was burnt down in a great fire in 1906 that also destroyed a tobacconist, draper, billiard saloon and residence in the area.

The fire, according to the Bay of Plenty Times in 1906, started in the lamp room of the hotel and spread with “alarming rapidity”. For more history, head back on the trail to the Victoria Battery Mine Railway and Museum which is open 10am to 3pm Wednesday to Sunday.

If you require a shuttle service for yourself or a group, or if you need your cycles and luggage transferred, we are here to help. If you just want to explore the district with a tour, Valley Tours & Transfers will help make your experience something to remember. Proud to be a partner of the Hauraki Rail Trail.

Phone : 027 549 6357 Email: valleytourstransfers@gmail.com Web: www.valleytourstransfers.co.nz

Feeling a little wobbly on the bike?

Or do you you just need a confidence boost? Adult Cycle Skills workshops are a great way to be prepared and stay safe on the trail. Workshops are held throughout the district and are supported by all three councils on the trail, just call to book a space or put your name down if the dates don’t suit. 2020 dates: Matamata 4 and 9 December. 2021 dates: Paeroa 21 and 27 January, Whitianga 18 and 24 January, Te Aroha 18 and 24 March and Waihi and Thames also during the year.

Tips

For everyday riding tips: www.bikeready. govt.nz/adults/ tips-for-everyday-bikeridingbeginners-to-advanced. Check your bike regularly - brakes, wheels, tyres, chain, pedals, headset, crank, seat. Regularly check behind you.

Be seen and wear bright clothing, lights and reflectors. Ride at least one metre out from parked cars and watch for drivers opening doors. Claim the lane when the road width requires it, or when you need to position yourself for a turn or roundabout. Make eye contact with drivers. Scan ahead for potential hazards i.e. pedestrians, dogs, or drivers who have not seen you. Know the road rules and follow them.

Riding the Waikino to Waihi section of the trail presents you with a tough choice – whether to cycle the undulating trail from the historic rail station at Waikino or take the Goldfields Train and put your feet up.

The train line ends in the township of Waihi, as does the cycle trail. Either way, the Victoria Battery Mine Railway and Museum is a place you’ll want to explore when you are in Waikino.

The Waihi Goldmining Company built the battery here in Waikino – once operating 200 stampers to crush the ore – because of its proximity to river water. It employed 200 men including Joe Kelly, who writes of his arrival, in the Ohinemuri Regional History Journal. Today a 1.2 kilometre two-foot (610 mm) gauge tramway was built by volunteers that run the railway and museum society. This snakes through the remains and relics on the six acre site, where tramway rides are available on open days. The old processing plant can only be imagined from the relics, which include the stamper mill, extensive cyanide tank foundations, and the roasting ore kilns’ tunnel, which can be viewed from above and toured underground with a guide. This is the only such place in the country open for the public to enjoy. The ore kilns are also put to good use by miners today – though not as you might expect. The OceanaGold Waihi Mines Rescue Team host training exercises, using a dummy as their rescue ‘victim’ to practise rope rescue. Victoria Battery has between 50 and 60 members and a core group that regularly work at the museum, and they’re always keen to bring onboard helpers including guides. Anyone with engineering knowledge is particularly welcomed, as they must keep their train in working order according to legislation under the NZTA.