4 - 6hr return | 6km One Way | Coromandel Peninsula
The Pinnacles is one of the iconic walks for the Coromandel region and there are a couple of different routes to get there. My favourite is the Kauaeranga Kauri Trail, which is the track leading off the main car park up to the Hut and then through to the Pinnacles. As with many tracks leading to a peak in New Zealand, this track starts gently with a well maintained gravel track winding through the native forest.
After just a few minutes you pass a turn off to a view of a Waterfall on the other side of the valley. It is only around 100m to the view point, but does contain a number of steps, so if you are leaving it to the way back, be warned that your enthusiasm for stairs may have lessened by then so you may be best to do it on the way up!
The track remains relatively flat and easy going for the first 15-20 minutes as you pass through the forest and cross the first bridge. As you approach the second bridge it starts to get a little steeper and on the other side of the bridge, the steps begin, so enjoy it while it lasts.
Once the steps begin, they don't really stop until you reach the plateau at the top before the hut, so take your time. Fortunately, much of this remains in the bush line so it isn't too exposed and does afford some good shade in large parts of the track. Between the second and third bridge there is also a little stream crossing which is a great opportunity to splash some water on your face to cool down. On the way down it is also a really nice swim spot to cool off properly!
Around 45 minutes into your walk you arrive at the last of the three bridges that you cross on this track. From there the track continues to rise relatively steeply with a mixture of stairs and track carving its way through the rocky terrain. This part of the track requires a bit more concentration around where you put your feet, but there is nothing technical or too difficult to negotiate en route and the track is really well marked.
We arrived at the sign below after around an hour of walking, well ahead of the advertised times. Here there is a flatter section with stream access and in poor conditions there is a diversion around the stream crossing in case it isn't safe to cross. When we were there it was really dry, so no issue at all and I have never seen it in bad conditions so can't say what it would be like after a lot of heavy rain.
From here the gradient lets up a bit and the track becomes a little more open. There are some good views through the trees and as the track passes over the first little hill you get the first good view of the Pinnacles ahead of you.
It took us 30 minutes from the last sign to the Hut (the sign suggested 1 hour) and was a pleasant walk with plenty of views in all directions. It isn't flat, but the undulation means you get a good mix of up and down rather than the continuous incline from earlier in the walk. The Hut is a good place for a break before heading on to the summit. There are picnic benches outside and a toilet block.
From the Hut to the Pinnacles Summit took us around 30 minutes, so it isn't too much further. However, it wouldn't be a summit without more steps, and there are plenty of those on this section!
After around 15 - 20 minutes of trudging up steps you reach a couple of ladders and then head on up to rock scrambling. However, you are well assisted along the way, so there isn't anything technical and you just need to take your time to make your way up safely via the best route.
Some of the best views are to be found in this last section, so take the opportunity to look behind you as well as where you are going. The rock formations and outcrops popping up through the trees are stunning.
Once at the top there is a viewing platform that gives you views back out across the track you have just followed as well as out to the Eastern Coastline. This is a particularly beautiful place to be at sunset or sunrise, so if you are staying at the Hut for the night then it really is worth making your way up here for the dawn or dusk light.
Parking: The Kauaeranga Kauri Trail car park is well signposted. The final 8km from the Visitors Centre is gravel road, but it is very well maintained.
Overnight Options: Pinnacles Hut which is an 80 bunk serviced Hut that can be booked through the DOC Website. There are also a couple of camp sites available, also bookable through the DOC website.
