When Is the Best Time
The Waiau Kauri Grove is one of the most impressive stands of mature kauri trees on the Coromandel Peninsula. It’s an easy drive from Cathedral Cove. We spent an additional day to explore more on the Coromandel Peninsula. From Hahei, the drive takes about 50 minutes along the remote and lightly trafficked Road 309, a gravel road that winds through lush native forest.
A Rare Grove of Ancient Kauri
The grove features 13 kauri trees plus the twin kauri, all protected by boardwalks and footbridges. These giants are around 600–800 years old and reach 20–25 meters in height. The 2.5 km walk leads through regenerating forest with nikau palms, ferns, mossy logs, and several small stream crossings. It’s a great alternative if you don’t have time to visit the massive kauri in Waipoua Forest. Many tracks in the Waitākere Ranges remain closed due to Kauri Dieback, so Waiau is one of the few accessible places to admire these ancient trees. Location Google Maps Kauri Grove
Why These Kauri Survived
Between 1880 and 1930, most of the Coromandel’s kauri were logged. The Waiau trees were easy to reach and would have produced excellent timber, yet they remained untouched. The land was controlled by mining interests, which likely restricted logging until the kauri boom had passed.
During World War II, the government planned to cut the trees for the war effort. Locals strongly opposed the idea and formed one of the first conservation groups on the Coromandel. Their plea worked. Wellington ordered the cutting to stop immediately. Thanks to this early community action, the Waiau Kauri Grove became a protected reserve — a taonga for future generations.
Track Conditions & Kauri Protection
The walk leads through beautiful regenerating forest and ends at the spectacular grove of ancient kauri. Boardwalks and footbridges protect the trees and their roots, but you still cross a few small streams. A small car park sits right beside the road.
Please clean and spray your shoes when entering or leaving the track. This simple step helps stop the spread of Kauri Dieback, a disease threatening New Zealand’s iconic kauri.
Waiau Falls
Less than a kilometre from the grove, right beside the road, lies Waiau Falls. The waterfall drops about 6 meters into a clear pool — a lovely spot for a refreshing dip or a quiet picnic surrounded by native bush.
Best Time to Visit
The Coromandel Peninsula is a year‑round destination with a mild climate. Summer offers warm temperatures and more visitors, but the Waiau area stays peaceful thanks to its remote location and gravel access road.
Waiau Kauri Grove + New Chums Beach
Waiau Kauri Grove and New Chums Beach combine perfectly. Start with the peaceful forest loop through the ancient kauri trees, then continue to New Chums for the rewarding coastal hike — or do it the other way around. You must time your visit to New Chums around low tide, because the lagoon crossing and the narrowing beach can block your way out when the water rises.
Best Months to Visit
Location and Tips
The Kauri walk is an alternative if you are limited in time to see the north's biggest kauris in the Waipoua Kauri Forest.
