10 October 2026
Fine spells. The odd shower, clearing this evening. Northerlies.
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1 / 4Coromandel Forest Park
Cookson Kauri Walk
Walk to the magnificent Cookson kauri tree.
Distance
4.5 km
Walking time
2 to 3 hr return
Difficulty
Easy
Dogs
On-lead only
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
Kauaeranga Valley campsite closures
Kauaeranga Valley campsite closures
Weather outlook
Coromandel Peninsula forecast
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 4:55 pm
11 October 2026
Showers, possibly heavy, easing to the odd light shower by midday. Scattered rain developing late evening. Northwesterlies.
12 October 2026
Showers becoming isolated in the morning but remaining cloudy. Westerlies, turning northerly for a time in the morning and afternoon.
13 October 2026
Partly cloudy, with a few showers in the afternoon. Westerlies.
14 October 2026
A few showers clearing to fine in the afternoon. Northwesterlies.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Cookson Kauri Walk on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Cookson Kauri Walk
Leave from the Wainora Campsite along a well-graded metalled track, with steps and bridges across the Wainora Stream. The track then climbs up a series of steps (over 700) with some lovely views of Table Mountain before reaching the Cookson kauri. This is a one way walk, return to the campsite by the same track.
Kauri protection guide
Clean your footwear, tyres and equipment before and after visiting our kauri forests. If you are walking your dog, you should also make sure you clean their paws. Use cleaning stations every time you pass one while you are walking in a park. Stay on the tracks and keep off kauri roots. Stay away from closed tracks. Don't remove soil from, or bring soil into, areas with kauri trees.
Huts and campsites
Wainora campsite is one of nine campsites beside the Kauaeranga River and has non-powered tent sites, non-flush toilets, and water can be collected from the stream.
Getting there for Cookson Kauri Walk
Follow the Kauaeranga Valley Rd from Thames for 14 km to the visitor centre. Wainora is 7 km north along a gravel road and is the fourth campground on the left past the Visitor Centre. Use this location in Google Maps to find your way there.
Helpful resources
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . We recommend trying these online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel .
Dog access for Cookson Kauri Walk
Dogs on a leash only.
Before you walk Cookson Kauri Walk
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.