Image: DOC
View through rocks to a large, natural amphitheatre.
Harwoods Hole Track

Located in Abel Tasman National Park and Canaan Downs Scenic Reserve in the Nelson/Tasman region

This track leads to a view of the Harwoods Hole natural amphitheatre, the cliffs that surround the deepest vertical shaft in New Zealand. There are no views down into the shaft. Extreme care is required.

Harwoods Hole is 176 m deep and there are no safety barriers – it is unsafe for children. The track ends just before Harwoods Hole, with a view of the natural amphitheatre. We strongly recommend that you do not try to approach the edge of the hole. The rocks around the edge of the hole are loose, unstable and can be extremely slippery.  

Gorge Creek Lookout has a very high drop-off and there are no barriers. This track is not recommended for families with young children.  

From Canaan Car Park, the walking track leads through beech forest with stunning limestone rock formations and ponds framing the track. 

Once you arrive at the junction in the track, follow the left-hand branch to go to Harwoods Hole. The track stops at large rocks near Harwoods Hole, with views of the impressive cliffs surrounding the hole. This enlarged sinkhole drops to an underground river that emerges below and flows into Gorge Creek and then into the Tākaka River 

There are no views down into the shaft. We strongly recommend that you do not go beyond the track end, as the area around the hole is unstable, slippery and very dangerous.  

Do not throw anything into the hole, as cavers may be below. 

It is an extra 20 minutes to climb to the Gorge Creek Lookout from the track junction. The lookout has exceptional views of Tākaka Valley and Gorge Creek. 

Be aware that care is required to reach the Gorge Creek lookout. The route is steep and rough with tree roots and rocks to navigate.  The final section crosses sharp limestone rock formations. There is a very high drop-off with no barrier and the rocks can be very slippery. Stay away from the edge. 

In winter, ice and frost coat the rocks near Harwoods Hole and Gorge Creek Lookout, making them extremely slippery. Take great care. 

From State Highway 60, near the top of the Tākaka Hill, follow an unsealed 11 km side road to Canaan Carpark where there is a campsite, toilet, water and orientation sign.
  • You cannot look down the shaft of Harwoods Hole from this track. The track stops at large rocks near the hole, with a good view of the large amphitheatre where Harwoods Hole is located. 
  • We strongly recommend that you do not try to approach the edge of Harwoods Hole. The rocks are loose, unstable, slippery and dangerous. 
  • Gorge Creek Lookout is not recommended for families with young children. There is a significant drop off, stay away from the edge. There are no barriers. 
  • Beware of any loose, slippery and unstable rock. 
  • Only experienced cavers should enter the hole and they must know the Harwoods Hole and Starlight Cave guidelines. 
  • The track is rocky and uneven. It can be very slippery. Sturdy footwear with good grip is best.