Karangahake Gorge Windows Walk
The Karangahake Gorge - lit and unlit gold-mining tunnels, the river gorge and historic batteries
The route
The line through Coromandel/Waikato, New Zealand - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.
Season & conditions
Year-round
Cool gorge; can be wet
Open year-round; the tunnels are dark - bring a torch. Confirm.
On the trail
Old gold-mine tunnels ("windows") and a river-gorge rail trail
Non-technical walking/hiking; confirm any exposed or scrambly sections locally
Marked/waymarked route; navigation generally straightforward - carry a map and confirm locally
Accessible to most walkers and families; not fully wheelchair accessible - confirm
Popular
Windows Walk loop; the longer rail trail to Waikino
Getting there & staying
Karangahake Gorge car park near Waihi
Out-and-back/loop - no shuttle needed
Day route - none needed
Day-hike kit, water, sun/rain protection, sturdy footwear; coverage varies
Services in Waihi; limited or none on the trail
Not required; self-guided
Permits & safety
No permit; free; family-friendly
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Dark tunnels (torch needed), slippery when wet, river edges
Retrace the route to exit; dial local emergency services; carry a means of calling for help where remote
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.