Crown Tramway Track
Karangahake Gorge
11 Rankers Reviews
11 Face-to-Face
19 Waihi
Your Nature Guide
Marios Gavalas
Author And Researcher
Nau mai, haere mai
Nau mai, haere mai
I'm Marios, delivering the best of Aotearoa's nature walks to your device.
I've personally walked hundreds of New Zealand's tracks and spent months in libraries uncovering interesting information on New Zealand/Aotearoa. And you'll find a slice of that research on this page - enjoy!
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Information
The scenically spectacular initial sections of the walk through the lower reaches of the Waitawheta River are complemented by the extensive mining history of the area. The track is perched on the rock face and hovers above the rushing waters of the Waitawheta River, which has deeply incised the watershed forming sheer canyon walls.
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.
Details
| Feature | Value | Info |
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Organisation |
DOC Bay of Plenty Central government organisation |
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Location |
North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷ Waihi |
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Categories |
Reviews
Maddie F
Ranking: 7/10
Great views but we could enter in only one mine, others are closed. Public toilets at the beginning but very small parking.
Doug
Ranking: 8/10
Amazing choice of walks, really beautiful swimming spots.
Franz Birkefeld
Ranking: 10/10
This walk was so amazing! I did it with 3 locals which knew all about it and all the secret caves so we went for a few jumps and even saw the glowworms in the old pumphouse/cave.
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A Ormsby
Ranking: 10/10
Awesome.
M Neuman
Ranking: 10/10
Excellent. Great hike, all different levels, nice park.
Nicola Thackray
Ranking: 9/10
Popped up out of no where and was stunning. Yet more amazing scenery.
Thomas Ebueter
Ranking: 9/10
Well sign posted, useful information along the track.
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Ivo Braakhuis
Ranking: 8/10
Nice track (and it's free) which was used as a goldmine facility. Different tracks (20mins to 3 hours) along the track and lots of information.
Sebastien Briant
Ranking: 6/10
Not very spectacular for the eyes. Interesting for the historical topics presented there.
selinab
Ranking: 8/10
I wish I had spent more time on this walk. Interesting history combined with a beautiful location.
Bill Nash
Ranking: 10/10
3-5 hr moderate walk through great scenery and really interesting disused gold mine workings. Very good information boards - all brings history to life.
DOC Managed
Thanks to all the good people working for the NZ Department of Conservation - for all your hard work - making NZ more beautiful, accessable and healthy! Cheers 😍
