Visit an amazing one-third replica Kauri driving dam.

The model kauri dam is accessed via from the Kauaeranga DoC Centre carpark and down the short Kahikatea Walk. The replica dam was restored by Rotary Thames members in 2020, and during the summer months, the dam water is released.

The dam was built in the 18702-1930s by Kauri loggers, around 60 Kauri dams dotted the tributaries leading into the Kauaeranga River. Every six months or so, these dams were tripped and huge Kauri logs were driven down the river by the force of the water to The Booms. Here they were lashed together and hauled to Shortland Wharf and onto Auckland by boat.

The only kauri dam that remains substantially intact is at Dancing Camp, which is 5 minutes from the Pinnacles Hut, on the Pinnacles Walk.

If you’re not up for the 6-7 hours return, this Kauri Model Damn is easily accessible and is a working replica.

Kauri trees (and kahikatea) once filled the entire Kauaeranga Valley but of course, the early settlers soon fell in love with kauri for it’s thick, straight trunk and durable knot-free timber.

In the Valley, there were several bush camps set up from the 1870s and the area was logged extensively over the following 60 years.

Once all the easily accessible kauri had been logged, the tramline was pulled up and the remains of the bush industry – like dams, bush camps and other relics – were reclaimed by Mother Nature as the forest began to recover.

In 1970 the remaining sections of native forests were protected as part of the Coromandel Forest Park.

Model Kauri Dam Location
To get to Kahikatea Track, drive 15 minutes along Kauaeranga Valley Rd from Thames to the visitor centre. Take the Kahikatea loop that starts opposite the visitor centre main entrance.

Info
15 minutes return.
450 m
Easy

Contact
Kauaeranga Visitor Centre