Sunday 11 January 2026 8am
Members please register for this tramp by Friday 09 January 7pm.
Please ensure you have the correct cash
The Karangahake Gorge will need no introduction for most members, it is one of our favourite regular tramps. The gorge lies next to SH2 between Paeroa and Waihi and combines spectacular natural beauty with interesting historical remains of the area’s gold-mining past, including long tunnels (some of which we traverse).
Departures: 8 am sharp from The Strand, Takapuna
7.30 am sharp Massey University Albany Campus, 100 metres along University Avenue, by the entry to the Student Parking.
PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE PLENTY OF WATER, AS IT'S BOUND TO BE HOT ON SUNDAY.
Equipment: in addition to the normal equipment for a day walk, bring a head-torch (for the tunnels, which are not illuminated) and swimming gear and small towel.
Cost: members $25, non-members $30, juniors $5
Massey University Albany Tramping Club N/A
Organiser: Imogen 0272898440 (All non members please phone, no texts to assess suitability - no calls after 9pm thank you).
Driver: Isobel Davis
Gear List: NSTC Gear List.pdf
Non-members: Please phone the organiser to check suitability of the tramp
Short Route
From Talisman carpark, cross the Ohinemuri suspension bridge. Immediately at the end of the bridge turn right and follow a rough, unmarked track towards the Crown Battery. On reaching the road, turn right, cross the footbridge over the road and walk through the long railway tunnel. On leaving the tunnel, turn left and follow the Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway westwards. Make a short diversion to Owharoa Falls (good spot for lunch and a swim), then return to the walkway and continue to Waikino Station, where you will be picked up.
Medium Route
From the Talisman carpark, cross the Ohinemuri suspension bridge, turn left and cross the Lower Waitawheta Gorge Bridge and follow the Waitawheta River (also known as Waitawheta Pipeline Walk). This will bring us to Dickies Flat and a short road bash to the very stunning Owharoa Falls for a swim in the river there and back along the Ohinemui River by the bus for another swim.
There maybe another chance to swim in the Waitawheta River too if you're quick. Please bring a small tramping towel if you'd like to swim. Best not to carry an oversized bath towel.
Distance Route
From the Talisman carpark, cross the Ohinemuri suspension bridge and follow the Crown Track to the south. Cross the Waitawheta Bridge and follow the Crown Track along the Waitawheta River to Dickey Flat campsite. Continue along Dickey Flat Track to touch the road, then turn south along the North South Track. Turn right (ie to the west) onto the Mangakino Pack Track, then Karangahake Mountain Track. Take the side track to Mt Karangahake peak (544m), the northern most end of the Kaimai Ranges, return the same way and via Scotsman’s Gully back to the carpark.
Trail runners or tramping boots would be most suitable for this trip, especially if you're in up and over Mt Karangahake party.
Please ensure you have plenty of water with you, at least two ltires.
If we have time we may make a quick stop in Paeroa for an ice-cream on the way back.
Bring a change of footwear and a bag to put dirty/wet clothing & footwear in for the bus ride back. If you'd like to visit the cafe across the road, bring your card/cash for that.
Maps: & DOC (Department of Conservation):
https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/bay-of-plenty/places/kaimai-mamaku-conservation-park/karangahake-gorge/
https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/waikato/karangahake-gorge-brochure.pdf
