Access

The start of the walk is signposted from the Karangahake Reserve,600 metres east of the railway overbridge on S.H.2, at the western end of the Karangahake Gorge.

To reach Dickey Flat from S.H.2, follow Waitawheta Road 1.5km and turn right into Kennedy Road. Dickey Flat Road is on the right after 400 metres and continues to a parking area with a DoC campground (piped river water and composting toilets).

Track

From Karangahake Reserve, cross the footbridge and continue straight ahead. The metalled and even track is cut into the side of the rock face and perches above the Waitawheta River.

After 15 minutes, you can continue straight ahead to the underground pump house. You will need a torch through the tunnel, which bears right and descends a steep bank to rejoin the main track. You can also return by the same tunnel entrance.

To continue to Dickey Flat, cross the footbridge over the Waitawheta River. The track becomes unmetalled and, in a few places, is muddy and requires short descents to cross narrow side streams.

After approximately 1 hour, there is a 100-metre-long tunnel, where you will need a torch. Shortly after, a footbridge recrosses the Waitawheta River to join the Dubbo 96 Track.

Continue straight ahead for 10 minutes, crossing another footbridge to the carpark and campground at Dickey Flat.

European History

The Crown Mine was situated on both sides of the Waitawheta River, which formed a natural cross-cut through the reefs. The initial claim was taken up in 1883 and extensive workings started further up the Waitawheta River. The Crown Tramway was constructed to transport ore from Railey’s Battery 2.5km up the river.

This was dismantled in 1888 and a crushing plant was erected on the same site. The Crown Mine ore was the first in the world to be treated by the patented McArthur Forrest potassium cyanide process in 1889. The patent for the process was held by the Cassell Company.

The Crown Battery was constructed in 1891 and by 1898 there were 60 stamps. It ceased operation in 1916.

The Paeroa water supply pipeline, which follows the route of the Crown Tramway lines the side of the track.