Karangahake Gorge Walks and Day Hikes
Karangahake Gorge is where you will find natural beauty intertwined with gold mining history. Old train tunnels, mining caves and rivers can all be explored on foot and across various hiking tracks and loops. Pack your walking shoes, a torch and swimwear and embark on a fantastic day of exploring one of New Zealand’s worst hidden secrets.
Located an hour south east of Auckland, the Karangahake Gorge day hikes are your introduction into the gold mining history of Coromandel. From Thames to Waihi and everywhere in between, you will find remains of old battery’s, gold mining tracks and carts, and if you’re lucky enough you’ll find some flakes of gold yourself.
Karangahake Gorge Mining History
Karangahake has a rich gold mining history that dates back to 1885, a similar time to when the goldrush was happening in Arrowtown in the South Island. This area of Karangahake and Coromandel produced 60% of the total gold from New Zealand, using the Victoria battery which at the time was one of the largest and most advanced.
Structures from the gold mining era in the Coromandel still remain; rail tracks extending along the side on the river through long caves, and old engines squashed under rockfall, and a train tunnel that stretches for over 1km through the hills.
Karangahake Gorge stretching through to Thames and up to Coromandel have an impressive history of gold mining, meaning there are plenty of walks and hiking tracks carved out for the whole family to enjoy.
Gold is no longer mined in Karangahake, although there has been great interest in recent years from large gold mining companies in the United States.
Getting to Karangahake Gorge
Unfortunately I’m not aware of any tour buses that make the day trip to Karangahake Gorge, but if you Google it I’m sure you will find something.
The best way to get to Karangahake gorge is by hiring a car, this way there is no time limit on how long you can spend in the Gorge. Sitting an hour and a half south of Auckland.
There is a large carpark where all the hikes through Karangahake gorge start, with public toilets and a large picnic area. This carpark does fill up quickly, so make sure you get there early, especially in summer. There is a small side street you can fit a few small cars in parallel but if you don’t score yourself a carpark you’ll find yourself driving around in circles until one opens up.
There is a cafe directly opposite the carpark which is open on weekends but does close for the Christmas period. So if you forget to pack a lunch or are in need of a refreshing drink then you’re in luck. Otherwise feel free to head back to Paeroa or through to Waihi for a meal.
Karangahake Gorge Walking Tracks
There are plenty of walks to choose from, and you can do one or more in a day if you so choose. The short walks through Karangahake Gorge are better suited for leisurely walkers or families, whereas the longer hikes are for those who really want to feel the satisfying pain when they put their feet up at the end of the day.
Waitawheta River runs through the gorge and eventually meets with Ohinemuri River, both fresh water and all very clean. So feel welcome to go for a swim at any point in your walk that you deem safe.
Windows Walk 2.5km / 1.5hrs
The Karangahake windows walk is the most popular walk in the Karangahake gorge. This hiking trail gets its name from the windows carved out in the mining tunnel that look over across the gorge and down into the river. This bush walk in the Waikato takes you through native bush, past mining tunnels and shafts and information posts where you can learn about the mining history. showcases a tunnel that borders the rivers edge, with holes dug out to allow natural light through and into the mining caves.
Once you reach the end of the Windows walk you can either loop back across the bridge and make your way back to the carpark on the other side of the river, or continue ahead for another 20 minutes until you reach the popular swimming hole
Rail Tunnel 2.5km / 1.5hrs
The rail tunnel is the first walk I did through Karangahake as a child, and I don’t have fond memories considering it was raining, I was cold and as an 8 year old girl I would much rather have been at home on the PlayStation rather than exploring a historic train tunnel.
However I have grown to love bush walks and would recommend the Rail Tunnel for groups with children, the tunnel is rather large as it did have to fit a train once upon a time, although do take a torch as the only natural light is from either end which allows you to see silhouettes but not the tunnel floor.
Karangahake Mountain 4.3km / 4hr
I haven’t completed the Karangahake Mountain hike so I can’t give you a personal experience, however this walk takes you through the forest that engulfs Karangahake Mountain, taking around 2.5hrs to reach the top.
Karangahake Historic Walkway 7km / 4hr
Again, this is not a hike that I have even tried to do. Mainly because I never plan far enough ahead to get to Karangahake at a suitable time to complete a 4 hour hike. But maybe one day in the future I will. The Karangahake historic walkway takes you along the Ohinemuri River and connecting to crumbling buildings left behind from the goldmining era. Taking you past a beautiful waterfall before endoing at the Waikino cafe and railway station. This is also the perfect track for mountain biking if you want to make the journey a little quicker.
Karangahake Gorge Accommodation
Accommodation for Karangahake Gorge can easily be found on Airbnb, there are plenty of houses and cabins dotted along the gorge which means you will be within walking distance of many of the walking trails through Karangahake gorge. If you’re wanting to be close to supermarkets and civilization then Waihi or Paeroa will be your next best choices.
Waihi Beach is the perfect sea side town for anyone who wants to pair their adventure with relaxation. Paeroa, on the western side of the gorge, is full of antique shops, boutiques and gorgeous cafes.
Other Things to do Near Karangahake Gorge
Paeroa
The town where L&P, New Zealand’s very own soft drink, was founded. Paeroa is a small town north of Karangahake Gorge, great for antique shopping and has an array of cafes and lunch bars for a quick bite before getting back on the road.
The antique shops that line the main street and full with treasures from crockery and jewelry, to wartime medals and memorabilia. Whether you’re shopping to fill in the time or in search for a certain aesthetic for your home, Paeroa has it all.
Waihi Beach
Waihi township is only a 15 minute drive from Karangahake Gorge, making this a great opportunity for a weekend away full of adventure and relaxation. However if you want to make the most of your time I suggest driving a little further out and staying at Waihi Beach. The white sand and crisp blue beach will make you believe you’re in an island paradise. There are plenty of cafes, great food and accommodation options in Waihi Beach to suit everyone’s needs.
