Harwoods Track
Alert/Important notice
Harwoods Hole is at the end the track. Children need to be supervised; it is very dangerous to approach the hole beyond the warning signs.
Only experienced cavers should enter the hole and they must know the Harwoods Hole and Starlight Cave guidelines.
Walking track
Time:
45 min one way
Distance:
2.9 km one way
Getting there
From State Highway 60, near the top of the Takaka Hill, follow an unsealed 11 km side road to Canaan Carpark where there is a campsite, toilet, water and orientation sign.
About the area
Known for its stunning scenery and natural areas, the Golden Bay area, features a number of tracks including the Abel Tasman Inland Track. Farewell Spit and Puponga Farm Park are other area highlights.
Abel Tasman National Park is renowned for its golden beaches, sculptured granite cliffs, and its world-famous coast track.
From Canaan Carpark are entrances to Harwoods Track, the inland tracks in Abel Tasman National Park; Wainui Track, Rameka Track, Moa Park, and is the start for mountain bikers to ride the trails in Canaan Scenic Reserve and Rameka Track.
At the end of Harwoods Track is Harwoods Hole, the deepest vertical shaft in New Zealand (176 metres). A water-enlarged (but now dry) sinkhole, it drops to an underground river that emerges below and flows into Gorge Creek and then into the Takaka River.
Description
The end of Harwoods Track
From Canaan Carpark, a 45 minute walking track leads through beech forest with stunning limestone rock formations framing the track.
At a junction in the track, the right-hand branch leads to spectacular Gorge Creek Lookout with stunning views of the Takaka Valley and Gorge Creek. Care is required reaching the lookout as the track traverses very sharp limestone rock formations. The left-hand branch stops near the shaft; it is very dangerous to approach the edge of the hole. There are no barriers. It is not possible to see down the shaft.
Activities
Caving
Caving
Only for experienced cavers after making themselves familiar with the Harwoods Hole and Starlight Cave guidelines.
Mountain biking
Mountain biking is not allowed on Harwoods Track, but mountain biking is allowed in close-by Canaan Scenic Reserve and on the Rameka Track.
Places to stay
This is a standard campsite in the Golden Bay area.
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