The Karangahake Gorge is one of my favourite locations in Aotearoa New Zealand, located near the Coromandel between Paeroa and Waihi. I purposely take State Highway 2 when I am travelling between Auckland and the Bay of Plenty just to go through the gorge. More often that not I stop for a walk on one of the many tracks and enjoy a coffee at the Talisman Cafe. This place is simply majestical!

KARANGAHAKE GORGE HISTORY

Once upon a time, the Karangahake Gorge was home to a booming gold mining industry that started in the 1870s. More than half of New Zealand’s gold was found here.  These days there is the historic walkway which is a reminder of the old railway line that once ran between Paeroa and Waihi. Upon wandering the many trails you will come across tunnels, stamper batteries and railway tracks left behind from the gold mining days. If you head up into the Waitawheta Valley you will also find evidence of timber logging that started at the end of the 20th century and continued through to the late 1920s. Many giant kauri trees were removed from these forests but a few still remain today.

WALKS IN THE KARANGAHAKE GORGE

From the main car park, you have several walking options including short and long walks. Dogs on leads are permitted on these tracks.

Windows Walk (1 hour round trip)
This is my favourite short walk and one the kids will love! With windows blasted through the gold mining tunnels, these provide incredible views over the Waitewheta river.  If you turn off your torches in the darkest parts of the tunnels you may be lucky to spot some glow worms.

Rail Tunnel Loop (1.5 hour round trip)
This walk is a little longer but relatively flat as it follows the Ohinemuri River before crossing a bridge to enter the 1km long tunnel. The river walk is gorgeous and the tunnel adds something different. Just be sure to watch out for bikes as the tunnel section is also part of the Hauraki Rail Trail. It is also worth noting that at the north end of the tunnel you can take a short path up to the Karangahake Winery Estate.

Crown Track to Dickey’s Flat (3 hours return)
This is a wonderful walk that includes long sections along the river, small waterfalls, and more tunnels. You can also include the Windows Walk on your way there and back. Dickey’s Flat campsite is the perfect spot for a lunch stop with tables and toilets. You can also drive to Dickey’s Flat and do the walk in the opposite direction.

Karangahake Historic Walkway (4 hours return)
This fantastic scenic walk takes you along the Ohinemuri River passing Owharoa Falls, Waikino Hotel, the Victoria Battery gold refinery complex, and as far as the Waikino Station Cafe. The Station Cafe is a good lunch stop before returning along the same track. Be sure to keep a eye out for bikes as this walkway is also part of the Hauraki Rail Trail.

Karangahake Mountain (4 hours return)
There are a number of tracks that will get you to the summit of Karangahake Mountain. You can do this as a loop track and going clockwise is recommended. It does get steep and exposed near the top so be sure to wear good walking shoes and take a warm jacket.

HIKING AND HUTS NEAR THE KARANGAHAKE GORGE

There are a number of walking and hiking tracks in this area. If you are looking for an overnight hiking adventure then there are two great options to consider.

Daly’s Clearing Hut
There are several options for accessing this 16-bed hut and it is often a popular option if the Waitawheta Hut is booked out. The loop track is the shortest walk to the hut and estimated at four hours starting and finishing at the end of Franklin Road. You can also walk to the hut from the Karangahake Gorge via Dickies Flat Campsite. The hut does not need to be booked, it is first in first served.

Waitawheta Hut
This hut is my favourite for taking kids or friends who haven’t done a lot of hiking. It is an easy walk with stunning scenery! The quickest way to access the hut is a 3-4 hour hike following the historic Tramway Track starting at the end of Franklin Road. With no hills to climb it follows the Waitawheta River up through the Waitawheta Valley. This can be done any time of the year as the rivers all have bridges now and there is a detour at the last river if you don’t want to do the crossing. The 26-bed hut has a fireplace and must be booked. You can also camp if the hut is full. The real treat is the glow worms, just a short five-minute walk from the hut. One of the best locations for seeing glowworms in this area.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS IN THE AREA

WAIHI DISCOVERY GOLD CENTRE
You can take part in the Gold Experience and Gold Mine Tours and find out everything there is to know about gold mining in the Waihi area. Across the road from the Gold Centre is a short walk to the old pump house and Martha Mine. Both are very impressive and worth checking out.

GOLDFIELDS HERITAGE RAILWAY
This is a train ride like no other! You can book a return trip from Waihi Town to Waikino Station with time to enjoy before returning. It is important to check the timetable for days and times the train is running.

BULLSWORTH FARM HERITAGE PARK
You can’t beat a good old kiwi farm experience and Bullsworth Farm is a great place to do just that. Labeled ‘New Zealand’s Ulitmate Farm Experience’ you not only get to explore farm life but there are five great little museums and a native bird reserve.

HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL
The Hauraki Rail Trail is a popular grade one bike ride that covers 136kms including the Karangahake Gorge.  The trail itself can be accessed from Kaiaua, Thames, Paeroa, Te Aroha, Waihi, Waikino and of course the Karangahake Gorge. You can bike just a section in a day or do the whole trail over several days with many accommodation options along the way. 

WHERE TO EAT IN THE KARANGAHAKE GORGE

Talisman Cafe
If you are looking for a good coffee, snack or meal then this cafe is the perfect stop. You will find The Talisman across the road from the main car park nestled among the trees in the loveliest setting. They offer a delectable menu and cabinet food including vegetarian and vegan options.

Waikino Hotel Bar & Kitchen
Whether you have spent the day exploring the gorge or just passing through, this is a great stop for a beer and a decent pub meal. This historic hotel has plenty of stories to tell and has been a popular watering hole for locals and travellers for over a century. It is located directly across the road from the entrance into the Victoria Battery.

The Bistro at The Falls Retreat
If you are looking for something a bit closer to fine dining then The Bistro is a great choice. They have an amazing range of menus that include seasonal ingredients from their gardens. The sharing platter comes highly recommended and would be well accompanied by a wine from their impressive wine list.

Karangahake Winery Estate
This is a one-stop shop for wine, food and accommodation. The estate is nested amongst the bush just up the hill from the main car park in the gorge. There is a cellar door, a restaurant and rooms that may suit couples, families or small groups.

WHERE TO STAY IN THE KARANGAHAKE GORGE

Falls Retreat
Near Owharoa Falls, in an idyllic woodland setting, you will find the Falls Retreat. There is the choice of Rose Cottage that sleeps four or the Waterfall Cabin for two. The perfect option for a romantic getaway or a weekend with friends.

Riverside Accommodation
Very affordable options and a variety of rooms to choose from you will find anything from a family room to a six-bed mixed dorm to a four-bed tepee tent. Located right in the heart of the gorge it is the perfect spot to access all this area has to offer. The Talisman Cafe is only a few steps away and across the highway is the main carpark and access to all the walking tracks.

Airbnb has a number of lovely country homes if you want to stay in this area. If you haven’t used Airbnb before then now is your chance to give it a try! Use these Airbnb links to get $69 off your first stay.

Dickey Flat Campsite is a great camping option with some excellent swimming holes, access to walking tracks and a popular spot for trout fishing. You can access this campsite by heading up Waitawheta Road, just south of the main car park in the Karangahake Gorge.

Other articles that may interest you:
TONGARIRO NORTHERN CIRCUIT,
WALKS, HIKING AND HUTS ON GREAT BARRIER ISLAND,
AUCKLAND’S WEST COAST BEACHES

ABOUT THE WRITER – Karllie is a solo budget traveller with a passion for inspiring others to explore her homeland of Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond. Having travelled to many places around the world she still believes there is nowhere more amazing and beautiful as home. In her 40s, Karllie has a background in education and enjoys the outdoors, especially hiking. Find out more about Karllie…

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