Day 2: Karangahake Gorge and more!

Karangahake Gorge

I had the most amazing time out on the trails. First off I drove to Paeroa and checked out the Karangahake Gorge track. It flows alongside the river at a gentle gradient all the way to Waikino Station.

Over the bridge to start the trail

Heading straight for the tunnel

The tunnel is 1km long, very dark, wet and cold!

A typical section of the trail



Through the remnants of the gold mining past



More bridges along the way

Fun pipe tunnel



Waikino Station for bacon and eggs and a cup of tea!

After a lovely stop at the station, I turned around and went back the same route. And that lead to the next phase of the trail which was even more exciting and beautiful. 

 

Crown Trail

And I wasn't finished yet! The Crown Trail and Windows Walk was next up.

Start of Crown trail looking back at the Karangahake Bridge

It's really pretty in here following the old goldmining trails

You can see the bike track upper right

And this is on the track - glad there are rails!

Bridge and tunnel intersection

Straight ahead to the Woodside Underground Pump

Chain the bike to a tree and up to tunnel entrance

One of the mine shaft entrances - a rabbit warren of tunnels

Back over the bridge and climb up to the Windows Walk

Through the dark tunnels and looking out a 'window'

Up even higher looking down on the bike trail

Windows Walk following old rail tracks for bringing out gold

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  


























The two rides combined took 3 and a half hours to complete. 

 Te Aroha Mountain Biking Trails

As if I wasn't tired enough, later in the day when I got back to Te Aroha I decided I wanted to try out the dedicated Mountain Bike trails there. Partly because I'm not sure what the weather is going to do and I want to strike while the iron is hot. And partly because - well - I have energy to burn and I only have two speeds - fast and flat out! This took another hours good effort.

Start of Te Aroha Mountain Bike Trails

Pushed bike most of the way up to the Waterworks

But it was worth it! Quarry Falls.

Tracks run through the falls - cool!

An awesome time with a sweet crazy downhill ride

 

 

 

 

Te Aroha

Then for some relaxation - a tour around Te Aroha Domain. This is why I chose to stay here and not Paeroa. Hot springs! And it is a very pretty place.

Had a look around the Domain

Museum left, Band Rotunda right and bowling greens

Looking back at Mt Te Aroha, Mountain of Love

The hot pools! I went there this morning :)

There they are - nice!

Up to the geyser walk

The soda geyser wasn't playing when I went, will try later

The free soda foot pool