Owharoa Falls

Owharoa Falls is a staircase waterfall nestled in the heart of the Karangahake Gorge. Ideal for a picnic stop while doing the Hauraki Rail Trail.

It is a popular swimming spot with locals however care must be taken as it is prone to strong currents and hazardous features such as snags and slippery rocks and deep holes.

There are three points of entry to the walkway, each with carparks.  These are located at Karangahake (across the Ohinemuri River at the Crown Battery site);   Owharoa Falls, off Waitawheta Road;  and the Waikino Historic Station and Visitor Centre.

Waikino to Owharoa Falls.
2 kilometres.  30 minutes one way.

From the Waikino car park the walkway passes under the highway and then via a footbridge over the Ohinemuri River to the Victoria Battery Site.

Karangahake to Owharoa Falls
5 kilometres.  90 minutes one way.

The walkway begins beside the foundation remains of the Crown Battery.  From the lowest level of the battery site, a footbridge crosses the Ohinemuri River and SH 2 to the western portal of the former railway tunnel.  This 1100 metre tunnel is electrically lit along its length. At the eastern portal, the walkway crosses an old railway bridge, where there is a choice of continuing on to Owharoa Falls, or taking the Karangahake Loop Track.

Karangahake Loop Track
2 kilometres.  45 minutes.

From the eastern portal bridge, the track follows the Ohinemuri River and passes the Woodstock and Talisman battery remains, returning back to Karangahake.

Information courtesy of http://tour.thepeninsula.co.nz/karangahake.htm#top