Navigate old mine shafts at Karangahake

Posted on Friday 06 August 2010 in Adventure, New Zealand

By Rory MacTavish

One of the best things about visiting Auckland is that Kiwi travelers can use Auckland car hire services to explore the rest of the northern island. If they decide to do so, Karangahake Gorge, just off of route 2 to the southeast of the city, should definitely be considered as a stop.

According to the New Zealand Herald, the Department of Conservation has done a remarkable job of upgrading the walking paths around this area, providing some spectacular exploration routes of underground caves, bridges across vast canyons and chances to see some unique wildlife like glow worms.

Of special note is the Windows Walk, a path that cuts underground where the only source of life is four "windows" cut into the rock. Needless to say, a flashlight or torch is recommended for hikers undertaking this trail.

Along the way, travelers can learn about the old mine shafts and railway tracks that used to make the Karangahake area bustle with activity. Today, these routes have been repurposed so that travelers can enjoy the beautiful scenery and nature of these caves, tunnels and forests.

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