Waihi – Gorge Walks and Train Ride

Let’s step back in time to when gold was in them hills and visit the goldmining capital of NZ - Waihi.  After a gentle 1 hour drive and a quick stop at the L and P bottle for your Instagram post, we will stop at the Karangahape Gorge Historic Walk. This walkway features historic railway remains in a stunning natural gorge setting, including two steel truss bridges and a 1 km rail tunnel, and provide access to the relics of historic gold mining. 

We will then attack the famous Windows Walk (bring your torch!!)We will climb up the stairs and through the abandoned buildings and machinery of the Talisman battery.
Then follow the rail track along the gorge and into the old gold mining tunnels. The tunnel has four openings (windows) which look down on the spectacular river gorge far below. The track emerges from the cliff and descends a staircase before crossing the river on a suspension bridge and returning on the opposite side of the gorge along the Crown Tramway Track to the car park.  From there we are off to the Waikino Train Station with a hot drink and a Devonshire scone before we really travel back in time and enjoy a ride on a heritage train with Goldfields Railway. Journey between Waihi and Waikino at the eastern end of the spectacular Karangahake Gorge.

Experience a section of what used to be known as the East Coast Main Trunk Line which stretched from Auckland to Taneatua south of Te Puke. Enjoy an area rich in history, including historic gold mining which shaped much of this part of the Southern Coromandel.  A quick walk around Waihi’s idyllic shops before we stop for a late lunch before heading back to Hamilton.

Fitness level - moderate.  

Pick up 8.00am - Return 5.30pm.  

What to bring: warm clothes. 

What’s Included:  Morning Tea, hot drinks, Devonshire Scone, Train Ride

What’s not Included:  Lunch in Waihi.