Activities in the Kauaeranga Valley
Tracks and walks
The Kauaeranga Kauri Trail traverses steep and rugged country along tracks built by kauri bushmen between the 1870's and 1920's. You can walk all, or do parts of the track.
You’ll find numerous short walks in the Kauaeranga Valley. Many of the tracks wind through regenerating bush where remnants of the area’s logging history can still be seen.
Find out about the tramping tracks in the Kauaeranga Valley area.
Catleys Track and the Wainora Kauri Track are two of the walking tracks in the Kauaeranga Valley.
Other activities
Hunting
Permits are required for hunting on DOC land and can be obtained from DOC offices. They should be carried at all times while hunting. Permits and pesticide summaries are available from the Kauaeranga Visitor Centre, Coromandel Field Centre and Hauraki Area office. Contact Kauaeranga Visitor Centre for more detailed information.
Horse riding
The Hotoritori area in the Kauaeranga Valley is available for horse riding although tracks can become overgrown when not in regular use. Riders can use the forest access roads or follow a track along the ridge to Mangarehu.
Mountain biking
Mountain biker
Although there are tracks designated for mountain biking behind the Hotoritori Campground, 2 km past the Kauaeranga Visitor Centre, the facilites are undeveloped and can become overgrown when not in regular use. Riders should check with Visitor Centre staff for updates on the prevailing conditions before setting out.
Swimming
There are many swimming spots along the Kauaeranga River, and you can stop anywhere up the Kauaeranga Valley and access the river.
Hoffman’s Pool is very popular. Tracks opposite Hotoritori Campground go down to some good swimming holes. Also, just down from Shag Stream Campground there is a good swimming (and fishing) spot, with a sandy bank which is good for families.
Dogs
You may bring your dog to the Hotoritori and Booms Flat campgrounds in the Kauaeranga Valley but they are strictly prohibited at all other campgrounds. Dogs on a leash are permitted on most walking tracks in the Valley but are not permitted on the Kauaeranga Kauri Trail, the Pinnacles Track or at the Pinnacles Hut. No other domestic animals are allowed expect for horses on the horse riding trail.
Abseiling
The rock outcrop at Edward’s Lookout is a favourite spot for abseiling.
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The use of shotguns, shotgun-rifle combos, .22 calibre and rim fire firearms is prohibited on public conservation land unless stated otherwise.