Local Area
Karangahake Gorge is the home to a variety of different scenic bush walks and cycle trails to suit every fitness level. It also provides access to many historical sites related to the rich mining history of the Waihi Area.
Owharoa Falls
Karangahake Walkway
Within 5 min drive from Waikino Cabins, easily accessible short 2 min walk from the main road. Lovely swimming hole on a summers day.
Victoria Battery
Karangahake Walkway
The Victoria Battery ruins is only a 5 min drive from Waikino Cabins and a short 10 min walk from the car park. You will see remains of the historic gold mining era including old cyanide treatment tanks and museum. This site connects with the Hauraki Rail Trail cycle pathway.
Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway
The Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway offers many different walks to suit different fitness levels. It includes historic mining remains following the old railway line and Ohinimuri river, including a 1km old rail tunnel and steel truss bridges. The entire length of the walkway begins at the Karangahake Domain Carpark only 10mins drive from Waikino Cabins, passing by Owharoa Falls, The Victoria Battery and concluding at the Waikino Station. Shorter walks and loops are available. This walkway is a shared use track with cyclists and mountain bikers.
Hauraki Rail Trail
Section C: Paeroa to Waihi (24km)
This part (stage C) of the Hauraki Rail Trail takes you through the historic and scenic Karangahake Gorge past historic gold mine sites and through the 1 km long old rail tunnel. Only a 5 min drive from Waikino Cabins, we are happy to arrange to pick up/drop off cyclists and walkers.
Dickey Flat
Picnic area and swimming hole located on the Waitawheta River, 5 min drive from Waikino Cabins, with walking tracks that form part of the Karangahake Walkway.