Karangahake Gorge

This morning we drove back to Thames. It was a bit wet and grey so we thought it would be a good day to visit the gold mine. We had a tour through an old gold mine and we watched the 19th century stamper battery in action. This stamper battery crushed the quartz from Golden Lead.

After this we drove to Paeroa where the famous L&P drink started. They love this lemon fizzy drink in New Zealand. We then went to Karangahake Gorge to do a short walk. We walked through the forest over bridges and then along a old railway line and in to some long old gold mining tunnels. It was fascinating! The tunnels were so long. We needed a torch to see. There were viewing points overlooking the gorge along the way (see first picture)

We stayed in Paeroa and freedom camped in the town. We paid $5 at the petrol station for power and water.Read more