Karangahake Gorge: Exploring the Historic Tunnels of Paeroa
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.
Best Time to Visit Karangahake Gorge
Karangahake Gorge and its many historic walkways are a tourism and adventurers magnet. The best time to visit these wonderful Paeroa hiking trails is dependant on what you want you want to experience. If you love swimming and want to enjoy the small waterfall at the end of the Windows Walk then December – February is your best time.
If you love the look of autumn colours, golden leaves and the warmth of a historic pub, the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn is an incredibly wonderful time of the year to visit Karangahake Gorge.
- Summer (Dec–Feb): Warmest weather, perfect for swimming in the Ohinemuri River, but the trails are busiest especially during school holidays.
- Autumn/Spring: Comfortable temperatures for hiking and cycling, with beautiful scenery and less crowds.
- Winter (Jun–Aug): Can be wet and cold, but good for brisk walks and avoids crowds; ensure you have a torch for the 1100m railway tunnel.
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
The best way to get to Karangahake gorge is by hiring a car, this gives you the most freedom to explore the gorge at your own pace and leisure. Public transport options are available however require more planning, preparation and he necessity to stick to a strict schedule.
The large carpark within the gorge is where you can access the start of all the Karangahake gorge hiking trails. Public toilets, picnic tables and a large map are located here, as well as easy access to the river for a quick dip in the fresh water. During peak season the carpark does fill up quickly, but there is a neighbouring street you can park in across the road. I do suggest dropping off any goods and small children at the picnic area before you do park on the side road as there are no footpaths or pedestrian crossings to use to get back over.
The cafe directly opposite the carpark 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 from Auckland
Distance: 129m
Time: 1.5 hours
Karangahake Gorge from Tauranga
Distance: 71km
Time: 1 hour
Karangahake Gorge via Public Transport
Intercity has busses that travel to Paeroa and Waihi which are towns that sit on either end of Karangahake Gorge. I don’t believe these buses stop at the public carparking within the gorge so you will need to look at catching a separate bus from within these towns that stop in the gorge.
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 Karangahake Gorge
Distance 2.5km
Time 1.5 hours
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
Distance 2.5km
Time 1.5 hours
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
Distance 4.3km
Time 4 hours
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
Distance 7km
Time 4 hours
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.
Cycling in Karangahake Gorge
The Hauraki Rail trail is a popular cycling track that runs through Karangahake Gorge, from Paeroa, Thames, Waihi and Matamata. Grab your bicycle, a helmet and choose your section of the trail to ride. You can choose to cycle through any of the towns or have a scenic bike ride through Karangahake Gorge before ending for a break at the Waikino Tavern.
More Cycling Trails in New Zealand
If you’re looking for more amazing cycling trails, then look no further than this list of cycling trails in New Zealand. From Taupo to Queenstown, from wineries to mountain ranges, these cycling trails will fit everyones ideal New Zealand holiday itinerary.
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.
