Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway

The Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway passes several historic gold mining sites. The sites are located at both ends of the walkway. In the 1890s, several gold mining companies erected batteries and cyanide plants. You can see the impressive structural remains of these, as well as several rail heritage sites along the route.

Access to the Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway is via State Highway 2, between Paeroa and Waikino. The walkway is an easy walking track that will take you between 45 minutes to 3 hours return, depending on the section you walk. The loop track isn't suitable for wheelchairs.

Check the website for entry points to the walkway and the different tracks you can walk.

Time: 2 hr one way (allow 45 min for the loop section)
Distance: 7 km (incorporates 2 km loop walk)

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

Image credit: Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway, Coromandel. Photo: Graeme Conway.