Karangahake Windows Walk
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Karangahake Windows Walk
Time: 1 hour round trip, Distance: 2.5km
This spectacular walk passes through the relics of the Talisman and Crown mining operations.
From the Karangahake Reserve car park begin by crossing both the suspension bridge over the Ohinemuri River, and then the Lower Waitawheta Gorge bridge. Go up the stairs and through the abandoned buildings and machinery of the Talisman battery.
Then follow the rail track along the gorge and into the old gold mining tunnels. The tunnel has four openings (windows) which look down on the spectacular river gorge far below. The track emerges from the cliff and descends a staircase before crossing the river on a suspension bridge and returning on the opposite side of the gorge along the Crown Tramway Track to the car park.
Alternative route:
You can take a recommended side-trip to the remains of the underground Woodstock Pumphouse. After the windows section and the crossing over the Waitawheta River, walk upstream for a short distance (through another tunnel) to where a set of wooden stairs on the right hand side mark the entrance to the pumphouse tunnel.
Remains of the beam engine and other machinery can be seen inside, aswell as the rafters supporting th ceiling. Glow worms are also visible. A good torch is essential for viewing this unique piece of mining heritage.
Note:
The Woodstock Pumphouse is currently not accessible as the rock archway before the entrance to the Pumphouse is not stable anymore, i.e., closed by authorities.
Details
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Organisation |
DOC Bay of PlentyCentral government organisation |
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Location |
North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷ Waihi |
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Directions To Coordinates |
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Coordinates |
Walking
Nearby
Reviews
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5.0/5
Loved the walk.
Had a 7-year old with me who really enjoyed it too. Due to the hard rain recently, there was some water in the tunnel and we skipped some windows since there were large pools of water but overall great fun and definitely worth visiting.
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5.0/5
Really nice walks!
We really liked it, but the time which is indicated is a bit wrong... We took half of it (but we were still taking pictures everytime). I think even kids can do it, it's really nice to visit!
The landscapes are great!
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4.0/5
Combining a great gorge walk with a snapshot into the gold mining industry, this is an enjoyable place to have a pit stop.
Some really good swing bridges and great river scenes.
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3.5/5
This is a great walk.
You can see both the Gorge with the river and the mining. It was exciting to enter the old mines.
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4.5/5
A very enjoyable walk around the goldmine and on to the mine walk.
Walk through tunnels above the river - well worth a visit to this DOC walk.
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4.5/5
Lots of things to see and do in one area.
Rivers and swimming holes, gold mine ruins and train tunnels to walk through. Good walking track (very busy though).
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5.0/5
Loved the walk.
Had a 7-year old with me who really enjoyed it too. Due to the hard rain recently, there was some water in the tunnel and we skipped some windows since there were large pools of water but overall great fun and definitely worth visiting.
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5.0/5
Really nice walks!
We really liked it, but the time which is indicated is a bit wrong... We took half of it (but we were still taking pictures everytime). I think even kids can do it, it's really nice to visit!
The landscapes are great!
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-
4.0/5
Combining a great gorge walk with a snapshot into the gold mining industry, this is an enjoyable place to have a pit stop.
Some really good swing bridges and great river scenes.
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3.5/5
This is a great walk.
You can see both the Gorge with the river and the mining. It was exciting to enter the old mines.
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4.5/5
A very enjoyable walk around the goldmine and on to the mine walk.
Walk through tunnels above the river - well worth a visit to this DOC walk.
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4.5/5
Lots of things to see and do in one area.
Rivers and swimming holes, gold mine ruins and train tunnels to walk through. Good walking track (very busy though).
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3.5/5
Walk through the old gold mines, take a torch and visit the tunnels.
Free access.
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4.5/5
Impressive walkway in gorge, after walking you see old mine production plants.
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5.0/5
DOC have made an amazing job of the upgrades here over the last few years.
Extending Windows Walk, so you can loop back on Crown Track - amazing views of old ruins, the Waitawheta River. Lots of other walks, up Mt Karangahake, if you have more time, or can do just a short walk. All options covered. Well done
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5.0/5
Best days walk I have ever been on over swing bridges, through mining tunnels, fantastic scenery.
Easy walk, no charge.
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5.0/5
wonderful 1 hour circular walk across 3 suspension bridges, through mining tunnels and along a riverside track.
fascinating history of mining info along the track.
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5.0/5
tiny bit beautifuly situated site in a loop of the river.
very well run. excellent swimming in the river. a little known gem.
