Coromandel | Day Tripping - Destination Karangahake Gorge

The anticipation of a good road trip tends to teeter on crossing the wobbly line of 'excitement' and 'delirious happiness' - either which is encouraged in my world. There's something about seeing the sun come up, quiet roads, and feeling very alive while the rest of the country is wiping sleep from their eyes.  The destination of choice was the Karangahake Gorge, Waikino.

You've possibly driven past on this State Highway 2 stretch of road  just north of Waihi, and admired the view: stunning rocky cliff faces plunging into crystal clear waters, boulder strewn river beds and winding roads hugging bush-clad walls.



From the road side you'll see the old remnants of the Victoria Battery site on the opposite banks of the river.  But at a closer view, you'll find that these are in fact cyanide tanks.  I wouldn't know a cyanide tank from a concrete bunker, however with helpful information boards, I could happily explore the area and discover all sorts of little-known facts. 

You'll need to take a turn into Waitawheta Road if you want to explore these.  Free to view, just follow your nose along the the unsealed road. 

If you fancy a quick diversion, just a nudge further up Waitawheta Road road you'll see the Owharoa Falls, picturesque in the middle of bush. 

Some of most reknown walking tracks in the region however, start from Dickey Flat Road. This is helpful to note as the road signs aren't that "walker friendly".   From the unsealed road end, you'll find heaps of walking options from 45 minutes to several hours - all with a mix of bush and riverside strolling. The bird life is fabulous. 

We navigated our way through a field of cattle to start a bush/river walk upstream, an easy-to-follow orange marker trail, the cows virtually paying no attention.  And a note of caution, and as a younger member of the adventure team discovered, larking around electric fences may result in a shock surprise.  Yes, they are on.

A more notable roadmark from State Highway 2  is the Waikino Railway Station, a modest station relocated back in the 1990's from Paeroa as part of a DOC preservation project. The 30 minute train to Waihi crosses countryside and, with an open carriage (complete with picnic tables), it's a fun way to get a shot of country air and slow down the pace a few notches.  

Those wanting to spend time in Waihi , this isn't your best mode of transport.  It's only a 5 minute drive in reality, and given the train station is not really accessible to the township en foote, just enjoy this for the ride.



In Waihi, Martha's Mine is well worth the stop.  See a working mine in action (most of the time) and freely walk the rim of the mine, checking out the massive trucks that look like Tonka-toys as they progress deep into the excavated valley.

From Auckland at least, if you're planning a day trip, allow a good 8-10 hours (including driving time) to check out Waikino/Waihi and return.

I loved it. Needed more time to walk more trail and explore.  *Ba humbug* it's just a matter of time and diesel.

Where on Earth is the Karangahake Gorge?
Waikino, Coromandel, NZ


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