Kauaeranga Valley

The spectacular Kauaeranga Valley is ideal to explore on a mountain bike. The valley's well-maintained trails are accessible easily on bike, although the degree of difficulty varies greatly.

The native bush is lush and healthy, although it is still recovering from the kauri logging that stripped the forest from the 1870s to the 1920s. The Department of Conservation took over administration of the park in the 1970s, and began restoring the area's natural features. The valley's corners conceal some gems of the New Zealand forest such as native orchids and elusive ground birds.

The Kauaeranga River has some excellent swimming spots which can be accessed from the road and tracks. A popular ride is the coast road to the Square Kauri Tree, one of the largest and oldest on the Coromandel Peninsula. This tree is located on the road between Tapu and Coroglen, about two hours ride from Thames.