The Windows Walkway would have to rate as one of the most stunning in the area with windows blasted through the gold mining tunnels providing impressive views down into the Waitewheta River. The trail offers a range of short riding options or for those wishing to explore the entire trail, it can be done over three to five days, from Kaiaua through to Matamata.
If you give nature long enough it will cover over all that has gone before. A nationally significant gold heritage site, Karangahake Gorge was once a maze of bridges, trams, water races and construction. The regenerating native bush and crystalline currents of the Waitawheta River make it a stunning nature spot for visitors today. Parking is available directly off the State Highway at Karangahake and toilets, rubbish bins and basic visitor information can be accessed at the car park.
The wind whipping through the valley is no deterrent to visitors on a chilly winter weekend. Before midday, the carpark is full and the tunnels and tracks are lined with a steady stream of visitors.
The Karangahake Gorge is a great place to visit for both locals and first-time visitors. There is much to see, explore and learn about. There are walks to suit all itineraries and abilities; from a ten minute amble around the Talisman battery and mines site of the early s, to a four hour summit of the mighty Karangahake Mountain. The Windows Walk is an excellent way to absorb the historical, natural and scenic highlights of Karangahake Gorge in a short timeframe.
It covers 2. The squeak of wood and steel as you walk across swing bridges at the start lend a dramatic, aerial quality to the adventure. Sheer cliffs rise up all around you and the rush of the Waitawheta River courses beneath.
The walk follows a short line of steps up a steep bush tramway. A rusty old tram trolley clings to its tracks and makes for a fun photo opportunity. With footsteps following the remnants of railway tracks, it is daunting to imagine the risk associated with working in this area in the early s. They frame dramatic views from their midway vertical vantage point. Looking down, the sunlit track of the Crown Walkway hugs the cliff-face opposite. Following the Waitawheta River through the gorge, you can go via the Windows Walk by continuing beyond the turn around point.
There are stretches of old pipes from the mining boom on the way as you meander through the forest and a couple of inviting swimming holes. And right alongside the waterfalls is a metre tunnel you can walk through if you want to continue on further.
Click on the icon on the top left of the map to see the individual walks. As you can see the walks cross over a fair amount. In terms of accommodation, I stayed at Riverside Accommodation which has both dorm and private rooms. The host, Anita, is great and the place is super cozy. Down the road in Waikino less than 5km away you could book The Dome or these cabins. Both options are highly rated. I love these Karangahake Gorge walks some are definitely hikes and will be back to visit Karangahake Gorge in the future.
With two viewpoints, you really do need to go to the upper one. This is further north in the coromandel, but the Wharekirauponga waterfall is one of those hidden gems. Or you can just go up from the trailhead in Te Aroha. Your email address will not be published. The Karangahake Reserve is the entrance to a number of historic walking tracks displaying evidence of the early gold mining days where relics and building foundations still remain.
Vehicle access to the reserve is available at either end, with the main entrance at the western end approached from the Paeroa direction. The reserve provides plenty of car parking, picnic areas in picturesque surroundings and public toilets.
Canoeing, fishing and swimming are pursued in various sections of the Ohinemuri and Waitawheta Rivers in the Karangahake Gorge. Read more about the walks, tracks and cycle ways in the Hauraki District or go to the Department of Conservation or Hauraki Rail Trail websites.
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