Historic Kauaeranga Kauri

The Kauaeranga Valley was once adorned with magnificent kauri trees.  Favoured for its thick, straight trunk and durable knot-free timber, kauri was highly sought after by early settlers. 

The abundance of kauri in the valley drew pioneering bushmen to the area.  From the 1870s bush camps were set up throughout the valley and the area was logged extensively over the following 60 years.

When all but the most inaccessible kauri within the valley had been logged, the tramline was pulled up and the dams, bush camps and other relics gradually fell into ruin as the forest slowly began to recover.  In 1970 the remaining sections of native forests were protected as part of the Coromandel Forest Park.  

Christmas Creek Dam

Kauri dams

Of the many structures built by kauri bushmen, the driving dams have proven the most durable, and are arguably the most distinctive and evocative relics of the industry. 

Over 60 dams were built in the Kauaeranga Valley, however, today only two (Christmas Creek & Dancing Camp) remain substantially intact.  If you want to see how the dams worked there is a one third scale working replica just ten minutes walk from the visitor centre.

Restoration work

Built in the 1920s, both the Christmas Creek and Dancing Camp dams have been partially restored to ensure their survival.  Further work is planned to rebuild the right side of the Christmas Creek dam.  Ongoing maintenance and treatment plans are in place to preserve the timber of both dams.

Kauaeranga Kauri Trail

The kauri trail follows original pack tracks once used by bushmen and spans a spectacular landscape of pinnacles, bluffs and gorges. 

The various tracks take in relics such as the kauri dams and the spectacular Billygoat Incline. 

As you’re walking through the regenerating forest, keep an eye out for the remaining original giants, including the occasional kauri. 

Campgrounds and huts within the area provide opportunities for overnight stays. 

Getting there

The Kauaeranga Valley is on the Coromandel Peninsula off SH25 south of Thames.

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