Dickey Flat Campsite, Karangahake Gorge - there be gold in them there hills
A prolific gold mining region in the early settlement years of New Zealand, Karangahape Gorge is still littered with the remnants of a thriving mining industry. These sites are still open to public exploration and walking tracks along the Ohinemuri river wind through some of the ruins, tunnels and bridges all the way to Dickey Flat Campsite.
EAST/WEST
10/26/20262 min read
A trip to Karangahake Gorge isn't just a route to the East Coast, it's a chance to explore some beautiful river tracks, discover some of New Zealand's gold mining history and early rail history, camp in an idyllic DOC campground and take a swim in the heart of the Karangahake Gorge.
At its peak around the turn of the 20th century, Karangahake Gorge produced approximately 60 percent of all gold found in New Zealand.
During this era, the area’s mines were responsible for extracting vast quantities of gold and silver from deep quartz reefs. The Talisman mine alone yielded roughly 3.5 million ounces (96 tonnes) of gold bullion before closing in 1920. Together, the major mines in the gorge produced an estimated four million ounces of gold bullion, with total regional output reaching up to 350,000 ounces (9.6 tonnes) by 1916 before returns began to decline. At its peak production years between 1910 and 1914, the Talisman Mine alone employed approximately 360 men underground. Overall, the Karangahake Gorge gold mining industry supported a peak local township population of around 3,000 residents in the early 20th century.
Today, the ruins of the gold rush are a tourist attraction for travellers enroute through Karangahake Gorge. With multiple walking tracks running through the ruins and along the Ohinemuri River and forestry, there are hidden ruins to discover, tunnels to explore and swimming holes for a relaxing dip in the fresh water originating from the Cormandel Ranges.
The Victoria Battery Tramway and Museum is just 15 minutes from Waihi to the East and 10 minutes from Mackaytown to the West, so there's plenty of places to stop for refreshments and accommodation. If you enjoy camping, the Dickey Flat DOC campsite is just 10 minutes inland (to the south) from the mining site and can be driven to, or you can walk the tracks to the final destination.
Whether you're planning a day trip, passing through or staying for a while, there's plenty of exploring to do in the old ruins and around the region. Just down the road in Waihi is the massive gold mining Martha Pit, a still active gold mining operation. Waihi beach offers 9kms of white sand beaches and safe surfing. Waihi itself has some great markets and cafes to enjoy an afternoon of retail therapy.
Not just a transit route to the East Coast, Karangahake Gorge is rich in New Zealand history and a place to discover the old and the new for the adventurous.
