Last updated October 2026
The Crown Track to Dickey’s Flat is a walk through the old Karangahake gold mines to the Dickey Flat Campsite on the southern side of the Ohinemuri River.
Part of the track closes from time to time: DOC says the lower part along the Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway “will regularly be closed when heavy rainfall is forecast”, with the campsite still reachable via the Windows Walk.
DOC grades the track Easy to intermediate, says it suits most fitness levels and gives 1 hr one way. It starts at the foot of the staircase from the Windows Walk tunnel, reached from the Karangahake Reserve car park on SH2, about 48 km from Tauranga.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC listed this track as partly closed: “The Crown Tramway Track that forms the loop walk via Windows Walk, is closed due to landslips. This is a long-term closure.” Check DOC before you go.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Crown Track to Dickey's Flat on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Bottom of the staircase from the Windows Walk tunnel (main access from Karangahake Reserve car park, SH2)
- Finish
- Dickey Flat Campsite
- Distance from the city
- About 48 km from Tauranga
- Walking time
- 1 hr one way
- Track length
- 3 km one way
- Grade
- Easy to intermediate
- Dogs
- Dogs on a leash only
- Mountain bikes
- Not allowed
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Partly closed when checked on 18 October 2026 (Crown Tramway Track loop via the Windows Walk closed by landslips, long term). Check DOC before you go.
About Crown Track to Dickey’s Flat
The Crown Track begins after you descend the staircase from the Windows Walk tunnel. From there it runs through the remains of the Karangahake mines, with short optional side trips to look at old tunnels.
Further on, the track follows a pipeline from the gold-mining days and passes other mining relics. One 200 m tunnel is part of the route, and DOC recommends carrying a torch.
Dickey Flat Campsite, on the southern side of the Ohinemuri River, can be reached from the track. DOC says the track showcases beautiful scenery, good swimming holes and interesting mine relics.
Closures
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC’s alert read: “The Crown Tramway Track that forms the loop walk via Windows Walk, is closed due to landslips. This is a long-term closure.” The Windows Walk is open, and DOC says to return to the Karangahake car park back through the Windows Walk tunnel. The Crown Track to Dickeys Flat begins after you descend the staircase from the Windows Walk tunnel.
DOC explains that the lower part of the Crown Track along the Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway is closed when heavy rain is forecast, because of the risk of weather-induced slips and rockfall.
When that section is closed, DOC says Dickey Flat Campsite is still accessible via the Windows Walk. To check the current status, contact DOC’s Tauranga Office, or call 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) at weekends and on public holidays.
Track Conditions and Safety
DOC’s warnings for this track include: “Be careful of rockfall.” and “Mine tunnels and shafts are dangerous and may be hidden by vegetation.” Stay only on official marked tracks, and don’t enter tunnels unless they are clearly marked for public access. The ground in tunnels can be rough and uneven, and DOC asks you to supervise children at all times.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had an alert for Dickey Flat Campsite, at the end of this track: a hazardous tree will be felled at the campsite on Tuesday 20 October between 9 am and 12 noon.
DOC asks visitors to keep clear of the work area and follow all signs, barriers and staff directions. Check DOC before you go.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Crown Track to Dickey’s Flat: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Karangahake Gorge: the Windows Walk, Historic Walkway and other gorge tracks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Crown Track open?
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC listed it as partly closed: the Crown Tramway Track loop via the Windows Walk was closed long term because of landslips, while the Windows Walk was open. DOC also says the lower part regularly closes when heavy rain is forecast. Dickey Flat Campsite can still be reached via the Windows Walk. Check DOC before you go.
How long does it take?
DOC gives 1 hr one way.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Easy to intermediate and says it suits most fitness levels.
Do I need a torch?
DOC recommends a torch for the 200 m tunnel on the route.
Can I take my dog?
DOC’s rule is dogs on a leash only.
Where do I park?
DOC names the Karangahake Reserve car park on SH2 as the main access.
Can I bike the track?
No. DOC says mountain biking is not allowed.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.