Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway

Walking track

Time:  

2 hr one way (allow 45 min for the loop section)

Distance:  

7 km (incorporates 2 km loop walk)

Getting there

On main road between Paeroa and Waihi, 60 km northeast of Hamilton.

Description

Interpretation panel, Karangahake
Gorge Historic Walkway

The Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway partly follows the old railway line between Paeroa and Waihi (closed in 1979), with the remainder of the track following the banks of the Ohinemuri River.

The loop section includes the 1100 m railway tunnel at Karangahake. The old Paeroa railway station is now a visitor information centre located at Waikino.

The walkway is made up of three sections.

From the Waikino Visitor Centre, cross a footbridge to the Victoria Battery site, follow the old railway line to the Owharoa Falls/Taieri Stream confluence at Waitawheta Road (1 hour return).

From the other end, start at Karangahake beside the foundations of the Crown Battery, cross the river and go through the 1100 m former rail tunnel, which is well lit. From a bridge at the tunnel exit there is a choice of going on to Owharoa Falls (3 hours return) or taking the loop track back to Karangahake (45 minutes). The loop track is unsuitable for wheelchairs.

Part of the walkway follows the old railway formation through the gorge. Along the route there are several rail heritage features but the most notable are the:

• 1 km long Karangahake tunnel (1903-05) (which is illuminated so you can walk through it safely); and the
• large steel truss bridge (1905) crossing the Ohinemuri River at the eastern end of the tunnel.

Activities

Plan and prepare

What to expect on a walking track:

• Easy to moderate walking from a few minutes to a day
• Track is mostly well formed, some sections may be steep, rough or muddy
• Suitable for people with low to moderate fitness and abilities
• Clearly sign posted. Stream and river crossings are bridged
• Walking shoes or light tramping/hiking boots required

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