Harwoods Hole Track
Located in Abel Tasman National Park and Canaan Downs Scenic Reserve in the Nelson/Tasman region
Introduction
At the end of Harwoods Hole Track is Harwoods Hole, the deepest vertical shaft in New Zealand. Find out how to get there and important safety information.2.9 km one way return via same track
Dog access
Image gallery
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On Harwoods Hole Track Image: Daniel & Stephanie | Creative Commons
![View from Harwoods Hole Track. Image: Daniel and Stephanie | CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.]( "View from Harwoods Hole Track. Image: Daniel and Stephanie | CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.")
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Descending into Harwood's Hole Image: Paul Rowe | Creative Commons
![Descending the 176 metre pitch into Harwood's Hole. Image: Paul Rowe | CC BY-NC 2.0.]( "Descending the 176 metre pitch into Harwood's Hole. Image: Paul Rowe | CC BY-NC 2.0.")
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Traversing sharp limestone rock formations Image: Aaron Simonsen | Creative Commons
![Traversing sharp limestone rock formations. Image: Aaron Simonsen | CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.]( "Traversing sharp limestone rock formations. Image: Aaron Simonsen | CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.")
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 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.
It is very dangerous to approach the edge of the hole. There are no barriers. It is not possible to see down the shaft.
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.
- Harwoods Hole is at the end of the track. Children need to be supervised; the hole is a very dangerous place, extreme care required.
- Only experienced cavers should enter the hole and they must know the Harwoods Hole and Starlight Cave guidelines.
Contacts
| Whakatū / Nelson Visitor Centre | |
| Phone: | +64 3 546 9339 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | nelsonvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
Millers Acre/Taha o te Awa 79 Trafalgar Street Nelson 7010 |
| Postal Address: |
Private Bag 5 Nelson 7042 |
| Full office details | |
| Motueka i-SITE Visitor Information Centre | |
| Phone: | +64 3 528 6543 |
| Email: | info@motuekaisite.co.nz |
| Address: |
20 Wallace Street Motueka 7120 |
| Postal Address: | |
| Full office details | |