The Coromandel Peninsula is visited mainly for its incredible white sand beaches and other coastal based sights, however the Pinnacles Walk is another great experience to be had. The area is rich with history from the early colonial days of New Zealand and just 1km from the hut is the pinnacles viewpoint which looks over the Hut and the surrounding landscape
Time to complete
1-2 Days
Accommodation style
Back-country hut OR Camping
Track type
Return via same track (Optional loop)
Distance
14km+ return
Difficulty
Easy-Medium
Bookings required
Yes
One of the closest overnight mountainous hiking experiences from Auckland
Incredible views over the Karangahake mountain range
A modern well equipped hut to spend the night at
Incredible sunrise and sunset viewpoints nearby the hut/campsite
The Pinnacles Hut is somewhat of a rite of passage amongst the Auckland hiking community. It’s often the first taste of a mountainous hiking experience and with it’s high quality trails and large hut, it is seen as an ideal option for school and hiking groups to descend on for an introduction to overnight hiking. The area is rich with trails such as the Waitawheta Hut trail and most of these popular trails follow in the footsteps of the pioneers prospecting for gold and the enormous Kauri trees that used to be found in the mountain ranges.
The evidence of their past is evident in various places along the trail but for the Pinnacles Track, the dramatic rocky peaks of are the star of the show here. From the hut, it’s just a short 30-45 minute walk to get to The Pinnacles peak which offers dramatic views over the valleys in all directions. I highly recommend making this adventure an overnight journey and witnessing sunrise or sunset up at the pinnacles, however it is also a great day trip to take if you can’t secure a booking/don’t want to overnight here.
Track condition
-Mostly well taken care of trail with good quality bridges over major streams/rivers
-One small stream crossing typically ankle deep
Optionals
-Take the Billy Goat Track either on the way there or way back to discover some more of the areas history and get a change of scenery
The track is a loop track which returns along the same trail walked on the first day. See the guide for a potential day 2 detour.
Trail start/finish location: Kauaeranga Valley Road End
-Huts:
The Pinnacles Hut is an 80 bunk serviced hut with excellent facilities
-Camping:
There are campsites a short walk from the hut
-Booking:
Bookings required for the hut and campsites and weekends can be booked out weeks in advance during the warmer months
-Back-country hut pass:
Cannot be used
The elevation of the hut means that it can get reasonably cold during the winter with overnight temperatures at around freezing possible however during Spring-Autnumn mild temperatures should be expected. It’s a good idea to have a nice warm jacket if you’re planning on visit the pinnacle for sunset/sunrise.
Summer | Example packing list
Spring + Autnum | Example packing list
Possible all year round
Department of conservation website | Karangahake Gorge Weather
6.5km+ | 3-6 Hours
3-4hr
The track starts with a gentle gradient following the river with a few bridges to cross. This soon turns into a moderate climb with steps on a lot of the ascents. Eventually the Hydro camp is reached where a small stream crossing is needed to be done. From here, you’ll get to a point where you emerge from the tree line and can see impressive vistas of the surrounding valley and rocky outcrops before reaching the hut soon after.
1.5-2hr return (Optional but recommended)
Once at the hut/campsite, drop the packs off and make your way up to the pinnacles peak. The trail turns into climbing ladders of varying types along the way so be prepared for this; it’s all pretty safe. If you’re heading up alone, do let someone know you are going up in case you get into trouble.
En-route to the peak with pinnacles hut in the background. Photo by @mnaley
6.5km | 2.5-3 Hours
2.5-3hr
The track returns on the same track back to the carpark.
Optional loop - Additional 1hr
Take the Billy Goat Track on the way back if you have the time to see some more of the areas history as well as get a change of scenery.
Photo by @mnaley
Some of the best ridge line tracks in New Zealand
Waitawheta Hut
An easy overnight trip along the beautiful Waitawheta River
Pouakai Circuit
Be in awe of one of the most iconic peaks of New Zealand
