Karangahake Gorge, lying at the southern edge of the
Coromandel Peninsular, combines history and natural beauty to make a great
place to visit. A range of walking
options (all free) are offered here, from short trips through to full-day
hikes.
There are several access points along the gorge to the
various walkways. This swing bridge
leads from one of the parking areas to join up with the walkway on the other
side of the river.
The Gorge is a nationally significant gold heritage site,
and once bustled with a maze of bridges, trams, water races and gold mines. Evidence of these activities can still be
found along the various trails.
There are tunnels to explore, often with glow-worms, and old
railway workings to wander around. On
certain days a restored section of rail operates rides on a steam train for
paying customers.
Smaller streams are often crossed by swing bridges – not my
most favourite, especially if they like to “swing” or bounce around a lot!
I prefer my bridges to be more stationary, like this one.
This waterfall is almost at one end of the walkway system,
and is the one most easily accessible from the road.
The drive through the Gorge allows many great river views,
but unfortunately there are few places to stop safely so photos have to be of
the memory-kind.
The Ohinemuri River might be pretty to look at but it can
also be very wild. Most winters it will
flood, and occasionally it will rise high enough to force the road to be
closed.
One day soon I am going to return to this place and have
another wander around. There is always
something different to see.
Take care,
Margaret.
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