The Karangahake Loop Track is one of several tracks in the beautiful and historic Karangahake Gorge. Start from the large car park at the Karangahake Reserve, which has many relics of its early gold mining history. Walk north towards the hamlet of Karangahake along the shared cycle and walking trail on the west side of the Ohinemuri River. Alternatively, park in Karangahake by the community hall and start there.
From Karangahake, cross the river and highway on the shared path at the top of the 2-story bridge and walk through the 500-metre ex-railway tunnel. At the end, cross over the second bridge to the west side of the river, then follow the walking track north towards Karangahake Reserve.
The walking-only track after the tunnel on the west side of the river is the only way to see and get a real sense of the rapids that run through the tightest section of the gorge and the engineering required to build a road and railway line to the Bay of Plenty.
