Kauaeranga Valley walking tracks
Track category
Walking track
Description
There are a number of walking tracks in the Valley to choose from. Numbers correspond with numbers on the Kauaeranga tracks map, with track names used on the ground.
8. Catleys Track
Time: 45 min/1.4 km one way
Cross the main Kauaeranga River at the Tarawaere swingbridge and walk along river flats and through regenerating forest. The walking track finishes on the opposite side of the river from Catleys Campsite. You will need to return by the same track unless you ford the river. Carefully assess the river conditions before attempting a crossing.
9. Cookson Kauri Walk/ Wainora Kauri Track
Time: 3 - 4 hr/6 km return
Leave from the Wainora Campsite along a well-graded metalled track, with steps and bridges across the Wainora Stream. There are attractive water vistas for most of the way. A metalled side track takes you to the magnificent Cookson kauri (2-3 hr return).
The track then changes to a tramping track and climbs a spur offering views of Table Mountain. A kauri stands right beside the track and another larger one 10 minutes further up and signposted 20 metres to the right of the track, 3 km from the Wainora Campsite.
Return to the campsite by the same track.
13. Billygoat Landing Track
Time: 20 min/1 km return from road end car park
Follow the Kauri Trail for about 10 min before turning onto the Billygoat Landing track just after the swing bridge. There are good views of the Billygoat Falls (180 m high) and the Billygoat incline built in 1921.
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.
Guides and commercial tourism providers