A Hidden Stop Near Coromandel Town

A short drive from Coromandel Town lies a very cool and easy hike to a grove of kauri trees.

Kauri trees are giant, long-lived conifers famous for their massive trunks and great age. These impressive trees can grow 40–50 m (130–165 ft) tall, with trunks over 4–5 m wide. Some individuals are estimated to be 1,000–2,000 years old.

Parking and Trail Access

There is a small parking lot next to the gravel road where you can leave your car (Google Maps link here).

Walking Through Native Bush

The hike is short and easy, passing through lush native bush with stairs and boardwalks leading up to and around the trees. The well-maintained path makes it simple to explore while protecting the delicate forest floor.

Our First Close Look at Kauri Trees

We’ve always marveled at these New Zealand giants, and this was a great first introduction to kauri trees before our planned visit to the biggest one of them all, Tāne Mahuta. Its name means “Lord of the Forest” in Māori. Height: about 45 m (148 ft) Estimated age: 1,250–2,500 years. Tāne Mahuta stands in Waipoua Forest, north of Auckland.

Alone in an Ancient Forest

When we visited the grove, we had the place entirely to ourselves, allowing us to enjoy the sights and sounds of this ancient native forest. Kauri once dominated much of North Island, before large areas were logged by early European settlers who prized the tall, straight trunks for ship masts and timber.

A Quick Stop at Waiau Falls

An added bonus just down the road from the kauri grove is Waiau Falls.

Swimming is possible here, but we opted for a quick stop to admire the view and take a few photos. The falls are located just a few metres from the road (Google Maps link here), making them a very easy roadside stop.

A Worthwhile Coromandel Detour

All in all, this is a great little detour into the native forests of the Coromandel Peninsula—a short walk that offers a memorable introduction to New Zealand’s legendary kauri trees.