Coromandel Forest Park has an exciting history full of volcanic activity,
Māori settlement and kauri logging. Located in a warm maritime climate
this region can experience strong storms which bring high winds and heavy rain
making its walking tracks hazardous to attempt during these times. One of the old logging trails
is popular with trampers of all levels and can be taken right up to the peak of the pinnacles.
The Kauaeranga Kauri Trail is a 15 kilometre return trip which can be completed as a day
walk for the super fit or as an overnight adventure for tramping groups and families.
This tramp can be attempted at any time during the year. Just be aware that large storms and
heavy rain can flood the access road and make the track hazardous to attempt. This happens more often
during the spring months but it can occur any time of the year. The average daily summer temperature
sits around 13-19 degrees and you can expect approximately 169 days of rain per year. Prepare
for all conditions by taking warm and waterproof clothing as well as sturdy footwear with a good
grip, your everyday sneakers won't cut it. It's best to take your own water during the summer months as
the Pinnacles Hut supply can run dry. Bring a head torch if you're planning on heading up to
the pinnacles for sunrise or sunset. Also take a communication device, ideally a distress beacon.
This is a popular overnight trip so hut bookings will need to be made well in advance.
As with all walks and tramps in New Zealand, make sure you leave your intentions with a trusted
contact and inform them when you have finished your tramp. You can do this on our Plan My Walk
app. It takes the guesswork out of trip planning by bringing together the information you need.
It's packed with heaps of useful features to help you create a trip plan to share with others.
Download the app or check out planmywalk.nz
Start your day by heading into the Kauaeranga Valley Visitor Centre. The DOC staff there will
have lots of useful information on current track conditions, weather forecasts and can help with
any last minute hut bookings. Make sure to leave early if you're walking the trail as a day trip
particularly in winter to avoid getting caught out in the dark. The trail starts in the car
park at the end of Kauaeranga Valley Road and this is where you'll find a cleaning station.
DOC is actively trying to save kauri trees from disease so please follow their cleaning
instructions and stick to the marked path to stop the spread of kauri dieback. The path is flat
and well-formed at the start, but uphill climbing will soon begin. The track will get significantly
steeper as you climb the old stone steps that were put in for pack horses during the logging days.
These have been worn down over the years so take your time ascending and descending as they can
be very slippery when wet. It will stay like this for much of the climb through the valley, so tread
carefully to avoid any leg injuries and stick together as a group. You will come across a few
track junctions along the way, just keep following the signs to the Pinnacles Hut by a hydrocamp.
Two and a half to three hours into the walk you'll reach the Pinnacles Hut.
There is a campsite nearby but spaces are limited and will also need to be booked in advance. The
hut should also be a decision-making point. Check the weather and how your group is doing. The track
to the lookout gets harder and more exposed, so it's best not to attempt it in high wind or rain.
It might be better to have a relaxing afternoon in the hut and try for the lookout in the morning.
It's a gradual climb up the side of the pinnacles. Some parts of the track can be narrow and steep
with drop-offs, especially once you reach the saddle. The last part of the ascent requires you
to climb ladders and rungs embedded in the rock it's this section that you definitely don't want
to be in during bad weather. Remember you can turn around at any point if you aren't feeling
comfortable about your abilities or the weather conditions. Just take this section slow and help
out others in your group. Approximately 40 minutes after leaving the hut you will reach the lookout
at the top of the pinnacles. On a clear day you can enjoy the views of the Coromandel Peninsula. Space
is limited at the lookout so try to avoid heading up at the same time as others. The rock at the top
is fractured and highly unstable so keep to the viewing platform and stay behind any barriers.
To start your descent you just need to go back the way you came. Tread carefully as it's much easier
to slip when going downhill. Help each other out on the more difficult steps. More injuries occur
on the way down from the pinnacles lookout than anywhere else on the track. Pinnacles
Hut will be a decision making point again on your way out. The track can get flooded during
heavy rain and many fords on the access road can become impassable. Have a chat to the hut warden
before leaving to see if it's best to head down or wait out in the hut until water levels drop.
On your way back from Pinnacles Hut you can continue the way you came or if you are looking
for a bit more adventure you can take the Billygoat Track back to the car park. This will add
an extra 30 to 60 minutes to your trip. Tramping boots are recommended for this track as you'll
need to navigate boggy ground, slippery surfaces and finish the day off with a river crossing.
On a fine day the Billygoat Track offers views of table mountain and has some more logging history
to check out. But it's best not to go this way during heavy rain because there are some
narrow sections of the track that become hazardous when wet. A slip or a fall here could have severe
consequences. The Kauaeranga river can also flood making it dangerous to cross as there is no bridge.
The Kauaeranga Kauri Trail is a natural beauty with a touch of Aotearoa history to view along the way.
Get prepared for a great trip by: Aiming to tramp when there is no
heavy rain or strong wind forecast. Make a booking well in advance of staying at the Pinnacles hut
or Dancing Camp Campsite. Talk to DOC staff at the Kauaeranga Valley Visitor
Centre before you head off. They will have the most up-to-date track and weather conditions.
There's lots to do and see in the valley but be prepared if the weather changes your plans.
the Cookson Kauri Walk is a great wet weather alternative. Whether you are heading up for the
day or staying the night with your friends or whānau, you are sure to have a magical adventure.