Kauaeranga Valley tramping tracks

Track category

Tramping track

Description

There are a number of tramping tracks in the Valley to choose from. Numbers correspond with numbers on the Kauaeranga tracks map, with track names used on the ground.

14. Piraunui Track

Time: 2 hr one way

This track starts near the Kauaeranga Visitor Centre after crossing the Kauaeranga River (unbridged). Follow the markers across private farmland to the forest park boundary. Once in the forest, the track climbs up the western side of the valley to the Kopu-Hikuai Road. The Piraunui Valley contains forested river flats, stands of regenerating kauri and unusual rock formations.

15. Tarawaere Dam Track

Time: 1 hr one way

Just past the Totara Flat Campsite, cross the Kauaeranga River at the swingbridge and follow Tarawaere Stream, crossing it many times, to the remains of a rafter flume dam (on which the model dam near the visitor centre is based). A track above the dam connects with the Billygoat walking track (see number 17).

16. Tarawaere Waterfalls Link

Time: 1 hr one way

The track branches off the Tarawaere Dam track and is very steep. Little remains of the rafter dam and there are no significant waterfalls despite the name of the creek and dam.

17. Tarawaere Dam - Billygoat circuit

Time: 4hr

Beyond Tarawaere Dam the track follows an old packhorse trail and climbs to a ridge at 500 metres. This track is steep in places and can be slippery in wet conditions. It joins the Billygoat walking track near the remains of the Long Trestle. Follow the track back past the short trestles to the Kauaeranga River to complete a circuit.

18. Kauaeranga roadend to Moss Creek

Time: 3 hr one way

From the car park, go past the Webb Creek junction following the river. Cross the river on the suspension bridge and then climb steeply to the Moss Creek campsite.

19. Moss Creek - Rangihau/Moss Creek Junction

Time: 3 hr one way

The first section of track after leaving the campsite is slippery and boggy, especially after rain. Look out for an old logging camp and kauri dam along the ridge. The track passes through regenerating forest and offers views of the upper Kauaeranga Valley before descending to the Rangihau/Moss Creek Junction.

20. Rangihau/Moss Creek Junction - Rangihau roadend

Time: 4 hr one way

At this junction, it is possible to tramp through to the Rangihau roadend. After crossing a side stream the track drops steadily through scrubland towards Rangihau Road. There is a further 3-4 hours of walking along a rough 4WD road to Coroglen unless arrangements have been made for a vehicle pick up.

21. Rangihau/Moss Creek Junction - Pinnacles Hut

Time: 2 hr one way

From the junction, descend steeply through shrubland for an hour and cross the river (no bridge). The track climbs steadily from the river for about another hour before reaching the Pinnacles Hut.

22. Wainora Kauri - Booms Flat circuit

Time: 6-7 hr

Leave from the Wainora Campsite along a well graded track as far as the Cookson kauri (1 hr 15 min). The track then becomes more undulating and rocky and climbs steadily to a bare high point at 549 metres, with extensive views of Table Mountain and the broad valley of the Waiwawa River to the north. The track undulates then climbs to Orange Peel corner, before descending down a long forested ridge to the Booms Flat Campsite.

23. Whangaiterenga - Booms Flat circuit

Time: 4 hr

Leave from the back of the Whangaiterenga Campsite, crossing the stream twice before climbing a ridge. The track then drops down to the stream and another crossing before a steep uphill section to the junction with the Booms Flat track. Look for the kauri and nikau groves going down to the Booms Flat Campsite. There is a further 15 minute walk along the road to your starting point.

24. Kauaeranga Valley to Thames

Time: 10 hr

It is possible to tramp through to Thames town and the coast on a network of old tracks but should be attempted by experienced trampers only with a map and navigation skills.

25. Hihi and Kaitarakihi Tramping Tracks

More extensive tramping from the Kauaeranga Valley through to Broken Hills and the Kopu-Hikuai Road is possible but should be attempted by experienced trampers only. For information on these tracks contact the Kauaeranga Visitor Centre.

Getting there

The Kauaeranga Valley is east of Thames on the Coromandel Peninsula.

Plan and prepare

Before you go into the outdoors, tell someone your plans and leave a date to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. To do this, use the New Zealand Outdoors Intentions process on the AdventureSmart website. It is endorsed by New Zealand's search and rescue agencies and provides three simple options to tell someone you trust the details about your trip.