The Ohinemuri River runs through the Karangahake gorge, which is located across the road from the Golden Owl Lodge. You will find plenty of good trout fishing along the river, but be sure that you purchase a fishing license first. Licenses are available from the Golden Owl Lodge. 

Day hikes are plentiful, and some of the best in the Coromandel area. The tracks are well maintained and take you through old mining tunnels and old mining batteries (so be sure to bring a torch. Or we can lend you one, just ask). All trails in this area are free of charge and well signposted with interesting information boards. If you prefer, we can arrange a guided tour available through local companies to see the way New Zealand was in the 19th Century. Or perhaps  a guided tour through the world famous Windows Walk. Journey through time as you enter actual mine shafts high above and looking over the Waitawheta River.  See the remains of the Karangahake goldmining era. Or walk through the old train tunnel where steam trains carried goods and passengers from Paeroa to Waihi and on to Tauranga.

Only ten minutes away, the town of Paeroa is full of shops and cafes and is nationally hailed as “the antiques town of New Zealand.” It is also the home of the L&P soft drink see the large replica as you enter the town.

Or have a drive through the Karangahake gorge see the Owharoa Falls then stop off at the historic Waikino Hotel where you can enjoy great food in a country pub with a full bar, and lots of historic memorabilia. A little further along the Karangahake gorge is the Waikino Station. Take a ride on the Goldfields railway train into Waihi and then sample the great hospitality of the Waikino Station Cafe look through a slice of NZ Railway and Goldmining history in their little museum. The Victoria Battery accessible from the Waikino Station carpark through a tunnel under the road and is open on Sundays with a range of guided tours. You can walk through yourself if your visit is during the week. 

Up the road from the Golden Owl Lodge is the Ohinemuri Winery  where Horst and Wendy make their own wine and have a resturant with delicious food for breakfast and lunch or purchase a bottle to take back to the lodge and have with your evening meal. 

There is also the fantastic Bullswool Farm, where you can encounter miniature horses, donkeys, emu, goats, deer, alpacas and axolotls.

You can visit Waihi Waterlily Gardens,  Waitawheta Gardens with a ride-on train or visit Paeroa Model Railway display.

The area is also a great host to rock climbing, abseiling, kayaking, and much, much more. Guided tours can be arranged.