
Karangahake
Gorge
historic place name
O-Hinemuri
River: There was a village here in the gorge, that was invaded
by an opposing tribe. The people fled but the daughter of
the chief had been out collecting herbs and returned to
the village to find the invaders. She fled, crying 'Who
will help me?'
The taniwha of the river opened the rock
which concealed his cave and gave her shelter. She stayed
there for three days in which time they fell in love. The
invaders in the meantime had left the village and the people
had returned. They looked for the girl and called her name.
She was torn between her new love and her love of her people.
She finally decided to return to her people and the taniwha
opened the cave. He was inconsolable and left the area forever
carving the present course of the Ohinemuri and then the
Waihou river to the sea.
Links:
www.thecoromandel.com
www.waihi.org.nz
www.hauraki-dc.govt.nz
www.paeroa.org.nz
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Ohinemuri Estate is
in the Karangahake Gorge, off State Highway 2, between Paeroa
and Waihi.
click to zoom in |
click to zoom in |
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Map Karangahake/Waikino |
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It is 90 minutes from central Auckland or Auckland
International Airport, 50 minutes from Hamilton, 60 minutes from
Tauranga, and 100 minutes from Rotorua. Waihi Beach, which is
famed for both its surf and swimming, is only a 25 minute drive
away. The Gorge marks the southern end of the Coromandel Ranges
and is part of the Coromandel Peninsula.
The Karangahake Gorge itself is spectacular and has a complex system of walkways for
all levels of fitness. The beginning of all the walkways is only
a five minute stroll from the Estate. It is possible to explore
the Karangahake Gorge, the even more spectacular Waitawheta Gorge
or climb Karangahake Mountain from there. The old mines from a
century ago are open to be entered and explored.
Fishing in the Ohinemuri River and the adjacent
Waitawheta River is also popular. Access to both is only a short
walk away.
Nearby is Mike O'Donnell, one of the Coromandel
Peninsula's well known potters. Te Aroha Hot Pools are a 25 minute
drive away and the Wilderness Gem Factory (the largest in the
Southern Hemisphere) is only 20 minutes away.
So, as well as the enjoyment of listening to
the sound of the tuis and the pleasures of good wine and food,
there are many other attractions in this area. |

Ohinemuri River

Ohinemuri
River bridge
Karangahake
Gorge
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