The Kauaeranga Valley east of Thames is the main access point for the Coromandel Forest Park. The valley follows the Kauaeranga River into the heart of the ranges, and the DOC camping ground and visitor centre at road's end is the starting point for several good walks including the Pinnacles Track.
The Pinnacles themselves are jagged volcanic rock formations at around 750 metres altitude, reached by a three to four hour walk from the valley floor. The overnight hut at the base of the Pinnacles is popular; from the summit rocks the views stretch over both coasts on clear days. The valley also contains remnants of the kauri logging era — dams, sluicing channels, and log slides are still visible in the forest.