Kauaeranga Valley short walks
Located in Coromandel Forest Park and Kauaeranga Valley in the Coromandel region
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Introduction
You'll find numerous short walks in the Kauaeranga Valley. Many of the tracks wind through regenerating bush where remnants of the area's logging history can still be seen.Topographic map warning
Topo50 maps show tracks that have been permanently closed to prevent the spread of kauri dieback disease.
Walking and tramping
Easiest: Short walkDog access
Image gallery
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View from Edward's Lookout trail. Image: Sheena Veal | Creative Commons
![View from Edward's Lookout trail.]( "View from Edward's Lookout trail.")
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View of Murray's Walk Image: Sheena Veal | DOC
![View of Murray's Walk]( "View of Murray's Walk")
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Nature Walk – Hoffman's Pool Image: Sheena Veal | DOC
![Nature Walk – Hoffman's Pool]( "Nature Walk – Hoffman's Pool")
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 – Hoffmans 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. Hoffmans 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 tōtara, rimu, tōwai, 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.
Edwards 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-tōwai forest to a rock outcrop and saddle with extensive views of the valley. This is a favourite spot for abseiling.
Catleys Track
Time: 1hr 30 min
Distance: 2.8 km return
Ford the main Kauaeranga River and walk along river flats and through regenerating forest. The walking track finishes on the opposite side of the river from Catleys Campsite. Carefully assess the river conditions before attempting a crossing.
Murrays Walk
Time: 30 min/1 km return
A raised boardwalk takes you through a variety of vegetation from manuka, fivefinger, karamū and koromiko growing at the forest edge, into rewarewa, māhoe, tōwai, tawa, rimu and rātā and past a swampy area with kahikatea and other wetland plants. Nīkau and at least three species of tree ferns can be seen along the way.
Billygoat Landing Walk
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 Walk 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.
No heavy vehicles over 6,000 kg (class 2) can travel beyond Hotoritori Campsite on the Kauaeranga Valley Road due to road damage.
Thefts from vehicles
Isolated carparks are prone to theft. Don't leave any valuables in your vehicle. A bag storage facility is available at the Kauaeranga Visitor Centre.
Contacts
| Kauaeranga Visitor Centre | |
| Phone: | +64 7 867 9080 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | kauaerangavc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
995C Kauaeranga Valley Road Thames 3577 |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 343 Thames 3540 |
| Full office details | |
