Kauaeranga Valley tramping tracks

Tramping track

Getting there

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

Description

Tarawaere Dam

Time: 1 hr one way

The track begins just past the Totara Flat campground. 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).

Waterfalls Dam

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 track.

Tarawaere Dam - Billygoat circuit

Time: 4hr

Beyond Tarawaere Dam the track follows and 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 track near the remains of the Long Trestle. Follow the track back to the Kauaeranga River to complete a circuit.

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.

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.

Rangihau/Moss Creek Junction - Rangihau roadend

Time: 4 hr one way  

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.

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. The track climbs steadily from the river for about another hour before reaching the Pinnacles Hut.

Piraunui Stream

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 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.

Wainora Kauri - Booms Flat circuit

Time: 7 hr

Leave from the Wainora campground along the Wainora kauri walking track. Beyond the kauri, the track climbs steadily to a bare hight point with extensive views of Table Mountain and the broad valley of the Waiwawa River. The track undulates then climbs to Orange Peel corner before descending down a long forested ridge to the Booms Flat campground.

Whangaiterenga - Boms Flat circuit

Time: 3 hr

Leave from the back of the Whangaiterenga campground, 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 campground. There is a further 15 minute walk along the road to your starting point.

Plan and prepare

What to expect on a tramping track:

• Challenging day or multi-day tramping/hiking
• Track is mostly unformed with steep, rough or muddy sections
• Suitable for people with good fitness. Moderate to high level backcountry skills and experience, including navigation and survival skills required
• Track has markers, poles or rock cairns. Expect unbridged stream and river crossings
• Tramping/hiking boots required

back to top