Start in Downtown Thames

Thames' most local track - go from the bustle of the mainstreet to the serenity of stream and bush within 5 minutes. The track follows the Karaka Stream for 3km with a gentle gradient before steeping up toward the Coromandel Main Range. A few old mines are fun to find wetas in along the way or practice your manu in the many swimming holes. The track has been getting quite overgrown so take along some loppers if you have the time. At 400m you'll pass the stumps of some recently felled Kauri trees and be reward with vast views over the Kauaeranga Valley and Table Mountain. From here the track deteriorates until it reaches the Waiotahi junction - where you can head back to Thames or up toward Crosbies Hut.