Kauaeranga Valley

The Kauaeranga Valley is steeped in history. Kauaeranga – the original name for the Thames area, is best known for its Maori battles and its productive kauri timber businesses of the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Much of what remains in Kauaeranga today bears the marks of the extensive logging of the area, including the kauri dams that held the logs before they were sent down the river in massive log drives.

There are well-maintained trails through lush native bush, and plenty of excellent swimming spots in the Kauaeranga River.