Harwoods Hole Track
Canaan Road
The Harwoods Hole track is located in the Canaan Downs Scenic Reserve, near the top of Tākaka Hill. A 45-minute stroll through stunning beech forest and limestone outcrops will take you to a lookout over a giant sinkhole in the Tākaka Valley landscape.
Renowned as the deepest vertical shaft in New Zealand, the hole cannot be entered from the track—it is only open to experienced cavers familiar with the Starlight Cave guidelines. However, the track does offer some pretty spectacular views. As tempting as it is to gaze down into the darkness, you won’t be able to. It is very dangerous to approach the edge of the lookout—there are no barriers, and children should always be supervised.
How to get there: As you approach the summit of Tākaka Hill, you’ll see a signpost for Harwoods Hole leading down the unsealed Canaan Road. There is a carpark at the end of the road by the entrance to the walking track.
Contact details
Address: Canaan Road