Karangahake is a town located in the Hauraki region of North Island, New Zealand. There are multiple short to medium hiking trails within the Karangahake Gorge area. On this trip, I took the kids from my au pairing task to walk the loop sections of Karangahake Windows Walk, Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway (Rail Tunnel Loop), and finally a visit to Owharoa Falls after the hike.
As the main Karangahake Gorge Car Park was full during this school break, we parked at the alternative car park at the back of Karangahake Hall, which has a trail that joins the other main walking trails.
Karangahake Windows Walk
A few highlights of Karangahake Windows Walk (2.5km, 1 hour) are the historic gold mining tunnels, the mining remnants and the large structures that remind me of castle walls and forts.
Most parts of the tunnel are very dark, so you’ll need a torchlight. While in the tunnel, try switching off your lights and look for the many glow worms that live here!
Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway (Rail Tunnel Loop)
Back to the main entrance junction that connects all the trails, we headed off to the Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway track. Instead of walking the full length (4.3km, 4 hours return) all the way to Owharoa Falls, we did only the smaller Rail Tunnel Loop (2.5km, 45 minutes), which conveniently takes us back to Karangahake Hall car park. This loop goes through a straight, 1.1km long old railway tunnel with lighting.
Owharoa Falls Track
While you can walk to Owharoa Falls via the full Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway heading to Waikino, we drove to Owharoa Falls Car Park instead. From the car park, it’s just a short 200-meter walk to the picturesque waterfall. Some kids were doing dive jumps from a few levels up the staircase waterfall. The pool below Owharoa Falls is pretty deep and good for a swim but make sure to stay safe. There are deep holes, slippery rocks and unseen obstacles. Currents and undertows can be very strong and swimmers can become trapped under the water.
Have this guide helped you? Tag @meowtainpeople in your hiking stories & posts!
*Captain Planet passing by* Remember, please take care of our environment, and please don’t destroy the Nature. Leave no trash behind and take back only photos and memories (and also some trash if you can). Walk on the designated path and stay in the middle as much as you can, so that the exposed soil doesn’t spread/corrode further. BE ONE WITH NATURE *flies away*
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