Timeline: Kaimai Heritage Trail area
The following timeline marks some significant dates in the history of the Kaimai Heritage Trail area.
1875
Hauraki goldfields open (including Karangahake and Waihi areas)
1881
Buck Reef is discovered at Te Aroha starting the Waiorongomai gold rush
1882
Karangahake experiences second gold rush when payable gold is discovered
Quartz crushing begins at Wairongomai
1883
Piako County Tramway opened at Waiorongomai
1884
Tui Mine discovered at Te Aroha
1889
Karangahake sees a breakthrough in gold production when the cyanide process proves successful on low grade ores, a discovery of international significance
1891
Martha Mine opens in Waihi
1896
Waitawheta Forest described by NZ Government as "a magnificent forest" containing 31.5 million feet of timber
1897
Victoria Battery construction commences
1899
Waihi Gold Mining Company loans money to NZ Government to build a railway link through Karangahake Gorge
1900
Woodstock mining company constructs the large underground pumphouse at Karangahake to clear mines of water
1905
Karangahake Rail Tunnel complete
1910
Kauri Timber Company sends first shipment of logs from Waitawheta
Horahora pylon line marches over Kaimai Range providing power to the goldfields
1924
Waitawheta Mill commences operations in the bush
1927
Waitawheta Mill closes and tramway is dismantled
1946
Waiorongomai mining operations cease
1952
Victoria Battery ceases operations
1978
Rail line through Karangahake Gorge is closed in favour of the newer, faster, Kaimai Tunnel
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