Kauaeranga Valley short walks

There are a number of short walks in the Valley to choose from. 

Kahikatea Walk – model dam

Time: 20 min
Distance: 900 m 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 on to the old water race. From there it loops back to the visitor centre and car park. You can do a nature treasure hunt on this track – get the question sheet from the visitor centre.

Nature Walk – Hoffman's Pool

Time:  30 min
Distance: 500 m 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 summer swim.

Jasper Creek

Time: 20 min
Distance: 500 m return  

The Jasper Creek Walk starts at Hotoritori campsite and passes through regenerating totara, rimu, towai, kahikatea, with several varieties of fungi and ground orchids. The walk finishes back at the campsite.

Outlook 76

Time: 1 hr
Distance: 1.2 km return

Access this walk from the road between Hotoritori and Whangaiterenga Campsites. It involves a climb 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 Campsite, with a 4-minute walk back along the road to your starting point. 

Edward's Lookout

Time: 1 hr
Distance: 1.4 km return  

Cross the concrete ford beyond Whangaiterenga campsite 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.

Murray's Walk 

Time: 30 min/1 km return  

A raised boardwalk takes you through a variety of vegetation from manuka, fivefinger, karamu and koromiko growing at the forest edge, into rewarewa, mahoe, towai, tawa, rimu and rata and past a swampy area with kahikatea and other wetland plants. Nikau and at least three species of tree ferns can be seen along the way.

Billygoat Landing Track

Time: 20 min/1 km return from road end car park
Dogs: No dogs allowed on this track

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.

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