Te Kauaeranga Thames has many amazing fresh-water swimming holes to help escape the oppressive summer heat. Find them up the Kauaeranga, Te Puru and Tararu valleys.
THE KAUAERANGA VALLEY
The river is known by Māori as Waiwhakaurunga, “the many bathing pools of the upper reaches”, so as you can imagine there are dozens of great pools to cool off in all up the valley. Here are a few known pools.
Swing bridge is the first accessible pool as you head into the valley. Known for its jumping rock which once had a swing bridge spanning the river. There is a toilet block nearby.
Shag Stream is directly opposite the DOC Visitor Centre with a white sandy-like beach and family friendly atmosphere.
Hotoritori pools are a 5mins walk from the campsite, cross the road and head left on the track to find a calm and cooling spot to relax.
Hoffman’s Pool is on of the most popular of the swimming holes with a large and deep water pool perfect for making huge manus off the towering cliffs above. There is a picnic table and old concrete platform to set up on.
Whangaiterenga has a great swimming hole beside the campsite that washes all your woes away.
Catleys Pool is a short stroll from Catleys campsite.
TE PURU
There is a great pool and family area at the end of Te Puru Creek Road. Head up the the track to find other smaller pools to cool off in.
TARARU VALLEY
The Tararu Creek has plenty of swimming options. First up there is a shallow pool ideal for toddlers right next to Dickson Motor Camp on Victoria Road. Then there is White Rock, with it’s hydroslide-like rocks located just north of the Buddhist retreat, accessed via a small, steep track off the road. Then there is the nearby Black Rock with it’s stunning waterfalls that tip into a magestic pool. Access is difficult however.
Of course there are also the beaches on the Firth of Thames, with Thornton Bay and Waikawau South Reserve ideal spots for swimming on an incoming tide.
KARAKA WATERFALL
Just behind Thames is a waterfall at the start of the Karaka Track that makes for an accessible splash pool in the summer months.
HIKUTAIA
South of Thames, the Hikutaia River in the Maratoto Valley has some beautiful, fresh and clear water swimming holes off Old Maratoto and Wires Roads.
