Visit one of the Coromandel Peninsula’s finest kauri stands on the Waiomu Kauri Grove Walk. It’s an easy walk that follows the  Waiomu stream up the valley. The surrounding forest is lush and full of tree ferns and birdsong.

Wai-ō-umu “The sea waters are shaped like a cooking oven”.  The sheltered waters of this area provided an ideal haven for many hapū of Ngāti Tamaterā, who nestled under the many pā on the hills.

The track follows an old pack saddle route used by miners with old mine entrances still visible from the track. After 30 mins you arrive at a set of stairs that you climb to arrive at a magnificent Kauri grove.

Not far from the start of the trail, a short side track leads across the stream to the old Monowai Goldmine battery site. The Tapu-Waiomu goldfield was one of the smallest on the Coromandel Peninsula and the Monowai was one of the most productive mines in the area until its battery burnt down 1933, effectively ending large-scale mining in the Waiomu area.

It’s currently closed for works, but continue on past the Kauri grove to meet Te Puru Track and Tapu Summit Track before heading to Crosbies Hut.

After your walk, make sure you stop into the iconic Waiomu Beachside Cafe to recharge your batteries. It makes a great starting point to walk from also.

Or if you are wanting to freedom camp, The Waiomu Domain is on the main road and within walking distance. Freedom camping here has toilet and BBQ facilities and provides a great location to watch the evening sunset.

Location
To reach the Waiomu Kauri Grove Walk, head North from Thames for 15-20 minutes to Waiomu, and heading up Waiomu Valley Road for a few minutes. After the first ford, park your car and walk another 500m to the trailhead before reaching another ford you’ll have to walk across.

Info
2hr 30min return.
2.5km
Easy
Dogs on Leash