Harwoods Hole Track
Located in Abel Tasman National Park and Canaan Downs Scenic Reserve in the Nelson/Tasman region
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Introduction
At the end of Harwoods Hole Track is Harwoods Hole, the deepest vertical shaft in New Zealand. Extreme care is required.5.8 km 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, this walking track leads through beech forest with stunning limestone rock formations framing the track.
Once you arrive at the junction in the track, follow the left-hand branch. The track stops near the deepest vertical shaft in New Zealand (176 metres). This enlarged sinkhole 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.
While walking to the sinkhole, include a walk and return along the branch to the right at the junction to Gorge Creek Lookout. This lookout has exceptional views of the Takaka Valley and Gorge Creek. Allow an extra 20 minute to climb and return to the junction from the Gorge Creek lookout.
Be aware that care is required to reach the lookout. The track traverses sharp limestone rock formations.
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 | |
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| Phone | +64 3 546 9339 |
| nelsonvc@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | Millers Acre/Taha o te Awa 1/37 Halifax Street Nelson 7010 |
| Hours | See visitor centre hours |