Karangahake Windows Walk
Karangahake Windows Walk
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Information
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
Moderate walk
1 to 2 hours
DOC Managed
Short walk
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Reviews
Showing 13 reviews of 20.
Stefan Beiner
Ranking: 10/10
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.
Andrew Attree
Ranking: 10/10
Not to be missed when in NZ fantastic history fantastic walk
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jofa972
Ranking: 10/10
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!
Simon Burkard
Ranking: 9/10
Stunning views through tunnels.
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Daisy Hoopers
Ranking: 8/10
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.
Helen Worner
Ranking: 10/10
Amazing short walk, nobody there early in the morning. For free.
Thomas
Ranking: 9/10
Mines are very well presented, lots of explanations on the mines.
Thank You - to the thousands of travellers that have contributed to our Top Voted NZ Activities Map - it's free from Rankers.
Igor Pretzer
Ranking: 7/10
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.
Sandra
Ranking: 9/10
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.
Jamie McArthur
Ranking: 9/10
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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N smith
Ranking: 9/10
Great little walk, a torch is a must so you can explore some of the old mines
Ralph and Leonie
Ranking: 7/10
Walk through the old gold mines, take a torch and visit the tunnels. Free access.
Gerard van de Ven
Ranking: 9/10
Impressive walkway in gorge, after walking you see old mine production plants.
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 😍
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