Karangahake Gorge

The Karangahake Gorge ( Karangahake Gorge ) forms the natural separation of the mountain ranges Coromandel Range Kaimai Ranges and the southern end of the Coromandel Peninsula on the North Island of New Zealand. The partially close and very windungsreiche gorge was formed by the Ohinemuri River, which is fed by tributaries from the two mountain ranges.

Karanga hake in the Maori language means transmit alarm call from the other side. The term derives from the fact that living in the canyon Maori groups that were often subject to attacks by other groups from the East, had set up scouts on the hills along the river, which generated an alarm signal with a wooden gong to the people to warn of the approaching enemy.

Location and Transport

The 21 km long Karangahake Gorge is the direct connection between the places Paeroa and Waihi and is used by the State Highway 2. By 1979, led by the gorge the railway in the former East Coast Main Trunk Railway between Paeroa and Tauranga. Between Waikino Waihi and the railroad tracks are now by the Railway Museum, now the Goldfield Railway Inc. used again. The section between Paeroa and Waikino other hand, is now used for the Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway.

Ohinemuri River

The Ohinemuri River rises near the shores of the Bay of Plenty in the foothills of the Coromandel Range, however, does not flow into them, but by the falling with steep walls Karangahake Gorge. After approximately 25 kilometers in length, the river Ohinemuri River combined at Paeroa with the Waihou River, which passes after another 25 kilometers in the Firth of Thames.

Meaning of Names:

  • O Hinemuri River Maori means the water of tears of Hinemuri the youngest daughter.
  • Wai- cinema means harmful, dangerous water.

The river has a catchment area of ​​287 km ². At Karangahake ( settlement ), there is a level measuring station. The previous highest river level since measurements began in 1956 was measured on 13 April 1981, 18.66 m, the lowest water level on 21 February 1995 with 11,85 m.

Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway

The Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway is a footpath between the village of Karangahake and Waikino and runs through the Karangahake Gorge. After setting the railway line, the track was dismantled and taken to the railway embankment used as a hiking trail. The 1,100 -meter-long former railway tunnel is now lit and accessible for pedestrians as part of the Walkway.

The trail leads past numerous interesting historical sites that are particularly remember the time of the Gold Rush in the period 1870-1950 in New Zealand.

Activities along the Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway:

  • Hiking and Climbing
  • Mountain biking
  • Visit interesting historical places
  • Fishing
  • Swimming
  • Canoe and White Water Rafting
  • Advantage of the many picnic areas
  • Go heritage railway
  • Search gems

The Walkway is maintained by the Department of Conservation.

At three points, there is access to the Walkway, at all points car and campervan parking is available:

  • In Karangahake ( settlement ) over the River Ohinemuri
  • Near the Owharoa waterfalls
  • On Waikino station and visitor center

More information

  • Side of the Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway to DOC
  • Tourist Tips for Karangahake Gorge
  • Paeroa
  • Current water levels of the River Ohinemuri
Māori language Māori people Bay of Plenty#The bay itself
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