The local iwi, Ngāti Maru, called the area Waiwhakauaeranga ("waters of the stacked jaw bones") in memory of a battle after which they piled the jaw bones of their enemies on the side of the river.

[4] The valley was a rich source of kauri timber, and numerous dams and several tramlines were built to facilitate harvesting in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

[8] Parts of driving dams, Webb Creek staircase, a log hauling skid road,[9] the Parawai Boom[10] and the Billy Goat incline remain.

Lack of roads and severe weather made farming difficult, so land was allowed to revert to bush.

[16] The Kauaeranga Valley Dairy Company opened a factory in November 1907 to produce milk and butter.

After the Second World War, a route further south along the Kirikiri Stream gained favour, and the road which is now State Highway 25A was built from 1961, opening to traffic in March 1967.

[18] From 1957, an electric power line was built from Thames, through the Kauaeranga Valley and north to Coroglen.

Before the 2023 census, the statistical area had a larger boundary, covering 180.50 km2 (69.69 sq mi).

It accepts payment for camping at the numerous campsites further along the road, and organises accommodation at two cottages next to the centre.

The centre is 13 km (8.1 mi) from Thames on Kauaeranga Valley Road.

[24][25] The Pinnacles Walk is a tramp from the end of Kauaeranga Valley Road to the summit of a volcanic plug, 759 metres (2,490 ft) above sea level.