The Round Hill Walking Track (also known as Long Hilly Walking Track) is an easy, short rainforest walk in the Longwood Forest at the foot of the Longwood Range. It follows part of the tracks and water races established to support gold mining activities, gradually reclaimed by recovering native shrubs and trees. The track, which includes a loop, takes about an hour to complete.
To access the track, take the Southern Scenic Route (State Highway 99) from Colac Bay / Ōraka or Orepuki to gravelled Round Hill Road. Follow this for 1 km, then turn right into the car park. It may not have a sign, but it is big and obvious. There is a toilet and an excellent explanatory panel at the start of the track.
Gold was discovered in Te Waewae Bay on the beach near Orepuki in the 1860s. It was traced back to the Longwood Ranges, and the gold mining continued in the ranges from around the 1870s until the 1950s. A substantial Chinese mining town called Canton was established near the track during the earlier mining period.
Tramways and water races were developed to bring water from the ranges to the mine. There are various relics, including a historic logging tramline, hand-dug waterways, and earth dams. One section is fascinating as it follows a deep channel dug through the forest, with ferns and trees gradually taking over the sides.
The walk is also a section of Te Araroa. You can continue on Te Araroa to the historic (but tiny) Turnbull and Martins Huts and then to the high point in the ranges at 764 metres. Another option is to follow the Ports Water Race Track, which follows a water race around the east side of the range.
