Karangahake Gorge, Mountain pass in Hauraki District, New Zealand
Karangahake Gorge is a narrow rock cleft in the Hauraki District where the Ohinemuri River cuts through the Coromandel and Kaimai mountain ranges. Steep walls tower above the river on both sides, creating a confined passage carved through solid rock over time.
The gorge became a major gold mining center in the late 1800s, when tunnels and processing works were built into the rock to extract ore from the surrounding hills. The railway later connected through this passage to transport goods and people across the region.
The name comes from the local Māori language and refers to the natural waterway passage. Today, visitors walk through areas shaped by mining heritage, experiencing how the land holds memories of both natural forces and human activity.
Two walking trails of different lengths are available for visitors to choose from based on their time and fitness level. Wear sturdy shoes and watch your footing, as the paths cross rocky terrain and run close to the river.
The Windows Walk passes through old mining tunnels where large openings were intentionally left in the rock walls to dispose of waste stone during extraction work. These gaps create a remarkable walk through human-made passages that blend seamlessly with the natural canyon.
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