Karangahake Gorge
Karangahake Gorge is a scenic gorge with a network of walking tracks passing old gold-mining relics, tunnels (including a walkable disused railway tunnel), swing bridges, and the Karangahake Windows walk, which loops through mining tunnels with river views. It has a rich 19th-century gold rush history, with remnants of old mining machinery and battery sites visible along several tracks.
Multiple short-to-moderate walks (ranging from 20 minutes to a few hours) let visitors choose based on time and interest, making it flexible for a quick stop or a longer half-day visit.
Karangahake Gorge FAQs
A popular loop track through old mining tunnels with windows cut into the rock overlooking the river, one of the gorge's signature walks.
They range from about 20 minutes for shorter tracks to a few hours for longer loops covering more of the gorge's mining history.
A torch or phone light is useful for the darker tunnel sections, as they can be genuinely dark inside.
Yes, it's a free public reserve.
The gorge was a significant gold and silver mining area in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and relics of old batteries, tramways, and tunnels remain visible along the tracks.
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