Kauaeranga Valley short walks
Short walk
Getting there
The Kauaeranga Valley is east of Thames on the Coromandel Peninsula.
About the area
The Kauaeranga Valley has many campgrounds nestled beside the Kauaeranga River, which flows down from the Coromandel Ranges through the valley. The valley has a choice of walks, swimming spots and historic relics from kauri logging days.
Description
Kahikatea Walk - Model Dam
Time: 20 min return
A walk leads from the visitor centre through native plantings to the one-third scale replica kauri driving dam. The path crosses the dam and loops back to the visitor centre and car park.
Nature Walk - Hoffman's Pool
Time: 30 min return
Information panels along this easy walk introduce you to the valley’s native trees and shrubs. Look for the old water supply intake which once fed Thames township and associated stamper batteries. Hoffman's Pool is a great place for a picnic and a swim.
Jasper Creek
Time: 20 min return
The Jasper Creek Walk starts at Hotoritori campground and passes through regenerating totara, rimu, towai, kahikatea, with several varieties of fungi and ground orchids. The 500-metre track finishes back at the campground.
Outlook 76
Time: 1 hr return
Access this track from the road between Hotoritori and Whangaiterenga Campgrounds. It climbs up to a lookout with excellent views of the valley and Table Mountain. You can return to the road via the same track or descend to Whangaiterenga Campground, with a 4-minute walk back along the road.to your starting point.
Edward's Lookout
Time: 1 hr return
Cross the concrete ford beyond Whangaiterenga campground and walk along a well-formed metal track through manuka-towai forest to a rock outcrop and saddle with extensive views of the valley. This is a favourite spot for abseiling.
Booms Historical Walk
Time: 30 min return
Cross the river flats at the 1920s logging booms site. The track passes through manuka and kanuka mixed with totara, kauri, five-finger, ground ferns and lancewood before emerging at Catleys campground.
Murray's Walk
Time: 30 min return
A raised boardwalk takes you around this 500 metre walk through a variety of vegetation.
Places to stay
A popular and spacious campsite in the Kauaeranga Valley, 6 km north of the visitor centre.
Camp on the river banks, 6 km north of Kauaeranga visitor centre.
Camp river side in the Kauaeranga Valley. 3 km north of visitor centre. Mountainbiking tracks start here.
This is a standard campsite in the Kauaeranga Valley, Hauraki area.
Camp river-side approx. 15km along Kauaeranga Valley Rd.
This is a standard campsite in the Kauaeranga Valley, Hauraki area.
This is a standard campsite in the Kauaeranga Valley, Hauraki area.
This is a standard campsite in the Kauaeranga Valley, Hauraki area.
Plan and prepare
What to expect on a short walk:
- Easy walking for up to an hour
- Track is well formed, with an even surface. There may be steps or slopes
- Suitable for people of most abilities and fitness
- Stream and rivers crossings are bridged
- Walking shoes required
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