A Guide to the Coromandel Pinnacles Walk

Looking for a hike that’s a good introduction to overnight hiking and hut stays, with incredible views to boot?

The Pinnacles Walk in the Coromandel is one of the best short overnight hikes in New Zealand, famous for its stunning sunsets and sunrises atop the rocky peak.

It’s also only a short drive from the main centres of Auckland and Hamilton, achievable for those new to hiking, and with one of the most well decked out huts in the country, this hike is perfect option for those just getting into hiking or who are travelling through the country with limited access to full camping gear.

THE COROMANDEL PINNACLES WALK

Distance One-way: 7km (to the summit)

Time One-way: 3.5 hours (to the summit)

Difficulty: Intermediate

Not to be confused with the Putangirua Pinnacles down in the Wairarapa, the Pinnacles Desert in Western Australia, or the Pinnacles National Park in California, this trail on the Coromandel Peninsula is officially called the Kauaeranga Kauri Trail.

However, here in New Zealand it’s most commonly known as ‘The Pinnacles’.

This popular trail follows an old Kauri logging route up to the jagged summit, and can be completed either in one day or as an overnight hike staying at the large and well-appointed (as fas as DOC huts go) Pinnacles Hut.

In a single day, the return trip from the carpark to the summit takes about 6 and a half (plus time for lunch and photos), so it’s definitely achievable as a day trip, even from Auckland.

However, what makes this hike so special is the incredible sunset and sunrise from the summit - and staying overnight makes the getting up or getting down in the dark a much shorter and easier journey. From the carpark to the hut is about 3hrs, then from the hut it’s about 30-45 min up to the peak (a little shorter on the descent).

Along with deciding whether to overnight it or tackle it in one day, there are also options for which route to take.

There are two tracks to chose from for the lower half of the track, before they merge together about half way up at the old Hydro Camp, from where the Pinnacles Track continues up to the Pinnacles Hut and the peak. You can pick and choose which track you take - take one up and another one down, or go up and down the same track.

Here’s the difference between the two:

» WEBB CREEK TRACK TO THE HYDRO CAMP

The Webb Creek Track is the most popular of the two options, and there are a couple of good reasons for that. First of all, it’s shorter and less uphill than the Billygoat Track, which makes it a little easier. Secondly, this track has some cool features that are only on this section. Shortly after leaving the carpark you’ll cross a cool swing bridge, which then leads on to 180m high Billygoat Falls.

The track itself is quite unique. Along with, ermm, quite a few steps cut into the rock (be careful when it’s wet as they can get slippery), you’ll also follow the original logging path. The track is formed with logs that created a skidded road that packhorses used to tow their loads of logging trees down.

» BILLYGOAT TRACK TO THE HYDRO CAMP

The most important thing to know about the Billygoat Track route is that there is a river crossing involved. This route shouldn’t be taken is times of high water levels (recent heavy rain/flooding events) or if you want to keep your boots dry!

This route is also slightly longer, steeper and less well-formed than the Webb Creek Track - think of it as the more adventurous route!

The positives to this route are that it will be a lot quieter than the busier Webb Creek Track and you’ll get different views for the return trip. You’ll also get a good view of the 180m high Billygoat Falls, along with views of the old trestle logging bridge, which has now collapsed down into the valley.

From the Hydro Camp, there’s just one track up to the Pinnacles. It gets a bit easier from this point (read: less stairs, yay!) and it’s not long before you’ll reach the Pinnacles Hut.

» HYDRO CAMP TO THE PINNACLES

If you’re staying the night in the hut, the best thing to do in drop your pack on a bed to reserve it and continue up to the Pinnacles with just the essentials, such as your camera and some warm gear. Even in summer the wind can be pretty cold, especially if you’re up there for sunset or sunrise when the sun heat isn’t warming you up, so it’s worth throwing on an extra layer and a hat and gloves.

From the hut, it’s a few more stairs up on a well formed track before the final climb up to the rocky peak, this final section features a couple of ladders to help you up the large rocks and onto the viewing platform at the top. The last push up the rocks is worth it though - from the top you’ll be rewarded with incredible 360 degree views of the Coromandel Peninsula.

HOW TO GET TO THE PINNACLES

The hike starts from the end of Kauaeranga Valley Road, just outside of Thames.

The easiest way to get there is to head for the town of Thames, where the turn off is easily identifiable just after crossing the Kauaeranga River as you start heading into town. Look for signage for the ‘Kauaeranga Valley Visitor’s Centre’ next to BP gas station on Banks Street (on the right when heading North into Thames).

Continue for about half an hour (20km) along Kauaeranga Valley Road. At about the 14km mark, you will need to pass through the Department of Conservation (DOC) Visitor Centre carpark. It’s not necessary to stop, but it’s the best place to confirm weather conditions, use the facilities, fill up on drinking water and pick up any last minute supplies.

From here, the road becomes a gravel/metal road for the final 6km before reaching the large carpark and adjacent Trestle View Campsite.

PARKING FOR THE PINNACLES

There is plenty of parking available in the Kauaeranga Valley Road End carpark, and unless it’s an extremely busy day over peak summer holiday season, you’re unlikely to have trouble finding a space to park.

There is a toilet available next to the campsite, however there is no drinking water available. It’s best to visit the Kauaeranga Visitor’s Centre on the way through!

There are security cameras operating in the carpark, however it’s best not to leave any valuables in your vehicle overnight.

new zealand coromandel pinnacles walk parking starting point — Also available, bicycle parking

WHEN TO VISIT THE COROMANDEL PINNACLES

The Kauaeranga Kauri Trail and Pinnacles Hut are both open year round, with summer being by far the busiest season.

» SUMMER AT THE PINNACLES

Long days and high temperatures - the sunrises at 6am and sets close to 9pm, providing plenty of daylight to complete the hike. Temperatures range from mid 20’s in the day to lows of 15-16 degrees Celsius overnight.

The longer days means this is the ideal time to complete the hike in one day if space in the hut isn’t available. Key dates will book out well in advance (Christmas break and weekends in January and February) so either be flexible with your dates or plan ahead.

» SPRING/AUTUMN AT THE PINNACLES

The weather in autumn and spring are both ideal for this hike, avoiding the high summer daytime temperatures but with plenty of daylight. March and April are generally the most reliable for stable weather and lower rainfall. It’s also less busy than summer, other than the Easter holidays.

» WINTER AT THE PINNACLES

Winter can be pretty wet in the Coromandel, however the temperatures never really get too cold and strong winds are probably the biggest risk factor. If you can pick a dry day, winter can be a great time to hike the Pinnacles with far less crowds. Also, less daylight hours means a later sunrise - ideal if you’re not a morning person and want a little bit of a sleep in before getting up for the sunrise!

Extra care should also be taken in the exposed sections at the peak during windy or stormy conditions. The stone section sections of the track may also get very slippery when wet, so proper hiking boots are necessary in these conditions.

THE PINNACLES HUT

The Pinnacles Hut is the largest DOC hut in New Zealand, and also one of the most luxurious - up there with the quality and facilities of the Great Walk huts.

A stay in the Pinnacles hut must be booked online in advance on the Department of Conservation website.

» 18+/Adult: $25 per night

» 5-17/Child & Youth: $12.50 per night

» 0-4/Infant: Free

Saturday nights and public holidays book out quickly, so be sure to book well in advance for popular dates.

Note that Backcountry Hut Passes can only be used in the off-season from May til September.

» FACILITIES IN THE PINNACLES HUT

Thanks to its size and popularity, the Pinnacles Hut is really well decked out. Expect:

Cooking facilities (burners and gas supply, and a mixed selection of pots and pans are usually available)
A fireplace for warmth
Solar lighting
Toilets are the compostable/non-flush type
Bunks with mattresses
A cold shower
Water supply (boiling/treatment required)
And even a large BBQ (that funnily enough my workplace provided!)
As with all DOC huts, all rubbish must be carried out.

new zealand pinnacles hut bbq with four people — The Pinnacles Hut BBQ

» CAMPING AT THE PINNACLES

Limited camping is available at nearby Dancing Camp, about a 5 minute walk from the hut. It’s located right next to a historic kauri dam.

There are 4 designated camping platforms, each with space for four people, and these must also be booked in advance on the Department of Conservation website.

» 18+/Adult: $12.50 per night

» 11-17/Youth: $6.25 per night

» 0-10/Child: Free

WHAT TO BRING FOR THE PINNACLES WALK

» WHAT GEAR TO PACK

In addition to hiking clothes, the following items are specifically required for a stay at the Pinnacles Hut:

If water is unavailable (check at the Kauaeranga Valley DOC Centre), carry a minimum 1L of fresh water per person per day, plus extra for cooking and cleaning.
Cooking equipment and food. While a bbq, cookers, gas and some pots and pans are available, you’ll need to pack all utensils and food.
A sleeping bag or sack is necessary, however mattresses are provided.
A head torch for trips to the bathroom or making it up or down from the Pinnacles in the dark,
If the track is wet, wear hiking boots rather than runners.
Hut shoes or flipflops - hiking boots must be kept outside the hut.
Windbreaker or rain jacket - the peak of the Pinnacles is very exposed.
A warm jacket for when the temperatures cool off at night.
Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for sun protection.
Battery packs for charging devices - there’s no electricity at the hut.

» FOOD SUPPLIES

For any food supplies for the hike, the closest place to do this is at Pac’n’Save, the largest supermarket in Thames.
For prepared food such as sandwiches and slices for lunch, the Thames Bakehouse on the main street is my go-to!
For any forgotten utensils or other camping gear, The Warehouse or Hunting & Fishing are your best bet.

WHAT ELSE TO SEE AROUND KAUAERANGA VALLEY

» BROKEN HILLS WALKING TRACKS

The nearby Broken Hills area offers a network of tracks of various lengths, along with a river for swimming and fishing. The area features many old gold-mining ruins, including tunnels, drives, batteries and water races.

There is a campsite available, with 45 non-powered sites available for campervans, caravans and tents. Sites should be booked in advance.

There are two entrances to the Broken Hills area, but there is no road access between the two entrances - a river crossing is necessary! So be sure to pick the right entrance for the campsite or trails you want to see.

Puketai Valley Road Entrance (use this for the campsite)

On SH25 near Hikuai, turn off on to Morrison’s Road (near the turnoff for Pauanui), which turns into Puketai Valley Road and follow it to the end. The road is gravel/metal.

Puketai Road Entrance

This entrance is closer to Thames on SH25a. Look for signage before the Tairua River.

» CROSBIES HUT

If the Pinnacles Hut is all booked out, the lesser known Crosbies Hut is a great alternative. The modern 10-bed hut has a fireplace, bunks with mattresses, toilets and a water supply (untreated). There are no cooking facilities available at the hut, so you’ll need to bring your own cooker, gas and utensils.

The hut features sweeping views over the Coromandel, including Table Mountain. Alternatively, camping spots are available behind the hut. Both the hut and the campsite should be booked online in advance.

There a few different tracks to reach the hut, however I recommend the Waiotahi Track, a 5 hr/13km track that is well-formed with no river crossings, though is a steady climb to reach the hut.

Park up near the sharp hairpin bend on Waitahi Road, then follow the signs for Crosbies Hut.

» SHORT WALKING TRACKS

There are many other short walks in the Kauaeranga Valley, including:

Billygoat Falls

If you don’t take the Webb Creek route to the Pinnacles, take the 20min/1km walk to Billygoat Falls.

Cookson Kauri Walk

This 2-3hr/5km track from the Wainora Campsite leads to an old, large Kauri tree.

Waiomu Kauri Grove Walk

See the Waiomu Kauri Grove on this 2hr/2.5km trail located at the end of Waiomu Valley Road.

WHERE TO HEAD AFTER KAUAERANGA VALLEY?

The Coromandel features many other incredible sights that are perfect to explore after hiking the Pinnacles - either head up the west side to Coromandel Town for a most rustic side of the Coromandel, or head straight to the east side for luscious sandy beaches.

» HOT WATER BEACH (TE PUIA)

Hot Water Beach is without a doubt a unique experience where hot water springs below the sand heat the beach up at low tide. Rent a spade from the general store at the end of the beach, then follow the crowds or the signs along the beach to the right spot. If you’re the only one there, look for signage warning of hot water and you should be able to feel the heat under your feet, and start digging!

In my experience, and for the lazy person’s guide to visiting Hot Water Beach, the best time to visit is towards the end of low tide. Not only will the crowds have started to disappear, but you’ll be able to enjoy someone else’s hard work - simply have a soak in an abandoned pool before the tides come in. Thank me later!

» CATHEDRAL COVE (TE Ō-A-HEI)

Cathedral Cove is that iconic rock arch that opens up to beautiful blue waters of the Coromandel, and it’s definitely worthy of it’s fame. The walk takes about half an hour (it’s a bit easier going down than coming back up) along a well maintained track so can be done in flipflops (thongs/jandals/sandals….). In addition to the famous arch, the beach is actually a really nice spot for a swim and to relax on the beach, so take a towel and swimmer and make a morning or afternoon of it.

Grab a shuttle that runs from a designated parking area to the start of the track ($7pp, with free parking), or walk up from the town centre (add half an hour each way).

new zealand coromandel cathedral cove on a sunny day — Cathedral Cove

» NEW CHUMS BEACH

New Chums was a hidden gem until it was named in a ‘Top 10 Beaches in the World’ list and the secret was out. The walk from Whangapoua Beach takes about half an hour, and don’t forget to climb up to the viewpoint on the way!

Time your visit with low tide, as it’s quite difficult to clamber over the rocks at high tide.

» SHAKESPEARE CLIFFS & COOKS BEACH

Grab the passenger ferry from Whitianga Wharf for a quick trip over to Cooks Beach. Follow signs for Shakespeare Cliffs for sweeping views over Mercury Bay. Then hike down to Lonely Bay, a quiet yet extremely picturesque beach that you might have all to yourself outside of peak holiday season. It’s not far to get down to but the walk back up is pretty steep.

For more suggestion on what to do in the Coromandel, check out my NZ North Island Itinerary here: