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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.
Feature | Value | Info |
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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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Categories |
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Directions To Coordinates |
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Coordinates |
Feature | Value | Info |
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Track Duration |
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Track DurationHow long does it take to walk this track on average? 1 to 2 hours 1 hour round trip |
Track Difficulty |
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Track DifficultyConsidering the track's terrain, safety, facilities - how hard is this walk to complete? Moderate walk |
Payment Requirement |
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Payment RequirementIs there a cost for this experience or is it free? Free access/participation The experience costs no money to access or take part in. |
Track Length |
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Track LengthWhat is the physical length of this track? 1km to 3km |
DOC Track Category |
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DOC Track CategoryWhat type of category does this walking track fall into (as defined by the NZ Department of Conservation)? Short walk Easy walking for up to an hour. Track is well formed, with an even surface. There may be steps or slopes. Suitable for people of most abilities and fitness. Stream and rivers crossings are bridged. Walking shoes required. |
Track Managing Organisation |
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Track Managing OrganisationWhat type of organisation operates this walking track? DOC Managed This track is managed by the Department of Conservation. DOC is a New Zealand government organisation. |
Stunning views through tunnels.
This is a great walk.
Lots of things to see and do in one area.
Nice to explore the Gold Mines.
Really nice walks!
Rating | Count | Percentage | |
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10/10 | 8 |
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40% |
9/10 | 6 |
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30% |
8/10 | 3 |
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15% |
7/10 | 3 |
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15% |
6/10 | 0 |
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0% |
5/10 | 0 |
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0% |
4/10 | 0 |
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0% |
3/10 | 0 |
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0% |
2/10 | 0 |
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0% |
1/10 | 0 |
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0% |
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.
Reviewed about 6 years ago
5.0/5
Not to be missed when in NZ fantastic history fantastic walk
Reviewed about 6 years ago
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!
Reviewed over 6 years ago
4.5/5
Stunning views through tunnels.
Reviewed about 7 years ago and experienced in March 2017
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.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in January 2017
5.0/5
Amazing short walk, nobody there early in the morning.
For free.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in December 2016
4.5/5
Mines are very well presented, lots of explanations on the mines.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in October 2016
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.
Reviewed over 8 years ago and experienced in March 2016
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.
Reviewed almost 9 years ago
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).
Reviewed over 9 years ago and experienced in January 2015
4.5/5
Great little walk, a torch is a must so you can explore some of the old mines
Reviewed over 11 years ago and experienced in December 2012
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.
Reviewed about 6 years ago
5.0/5
Not to be missed when in NZ fantastic history fantastic walk
Reviewed about 6 years ago
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!
Reviewed over 6 years ago
4.5/5
Stunning views through tunnels.
Reviewed about 7 years ago and experienced in March 2017
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.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in January 2017
5.0/5
Amazing short walk, nobody there early in the morning.
For free.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in December 2016
4.5/5
Mines are very well presented, lots of explanations on the mines.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in October 2016
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.
Reviewed over 8 years ago and experienced in March 2016
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.
Reviewed almost 9 years ago
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).
Reviewed over 9 years ago and experienced in January 2015
4.5/5
Great little walk, a torch is a must so you can explore some of the old mines
Reviewed over 11 years ago and experienced in December 2012
3.5/5
Walk through the old gold mines, take a torch and visit the tunnels.
Free access.
Reviewed almost 12 years ago
4.5/5
Impressive walkway in gorge, after walking you see old mine production plants.
Reviewed almost 12 years ago
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
Reviewed over 13 years ago
4.0/5
Interesting walk re old gold mining.
Reviewed over 14 years ago and experienced in May 2010
3.5/5
Nice to explore the Gold Mines.
Reviewed almost 15 years ago and experienced in December 2008
5.0/5
Best days walk I have ever been on over swing bridges, through mining tunnels, fantastic scenery.
Easy walk, no charge.
Reviewed almost 15 years ago
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.
Reviewed almost 15 years ago
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.
Reviewed almost 15 years ago