Ultimate Guide to The Pinnacles, Coromandel- Amazing Hike 2022

The Pinnacles, Coromandel

New Zealand is best known for its nature, beauty, amazing landscapes, and hikes. And it can be very difficult to choose which hikes to add to your itinerary. So let me make it easy for you there, definitely choose The Pinnacles, Coromandel; as it offers an amazing view up at the summit, challenging, and it is close to many tourist places on North Island.

It can be a good day hike if you have a great fitness level, as the return from the car park to the summit is around 7-8 hours; which is achievable in a day. However, I do recommend spending a night at the Pinnacle hut, so you don’t have to rush. Also, the sunrise and sunset are amazing at the summit, which is why many people choose to make this an overnight hike 🙂

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About The Pinnacles, Coromandel

Car Park- The Pinnacles Hut: 3 hours one way

The Pinnacles Hut- Summit: 45 minutes- 1 hour

Intermediate- Difficult

The actual name of this hike is Kauaeranga Kauri Trail, it is popularly known as The Pinnacle, Coromandel. I rated this as intermediate to difficult as most parts of the hike are pretty standard New Zealand tracks; with some rocks, forest, and ups and downs. However, just before reaching the summit; that’s when the challenge starts, you’d have to climb two straight metal ladders, and more climbing after on some metal hooks (because the rocks are vertical which makes it impossible to climb without the metal hooks). Especially if it’s wet and the metal hooks become very slippery, making it even harder to hold onto and climb.

But once you make it up to the summit, you’d be rewarded with a 360 degrees view of the Coromandel Pennisula and more. It is very worth the challenge, and it actually makes it fun with all the climbing! I love hiking, but I’m a slow hiker,  and afraid of heights; I always blame it on my short legs haha. So if I can finish this, I’m sure all of you can too 🙂

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How to get to The Pinnacles, Coromandel

Drive towards the Thames and there will be a BP gas station, which is where you’ll spot the sign for Kauaeranga Valley visitor center. Google map is convenient nowadays so search “Kauaeranga Valley Road End” which is where the car park is, also the start of the track!

There’s a big area for parking, and remember to use the toilet at the Kauaeranga visitor center before going up. That would be the best place to use the toilets before going up, as there are no other alternatives along the way. Be mindful that it is a gravel road from the visitor center until the parking lot, with many potholes and loose rocks. So drive carefully and be prepared for the not-so-pleasant bumpy drive!

Car Park to The Pinnacles Hut

3 hours one way

Webb Creek Track

Billy Goat Track

Moderate

It is about 3 hours one way to get to the hut from the car park, that’s if you take the Webb Creek Track. It is the more popular track to take, less steep, and you don’t have to risk getting wet feet! If you’re up for a bigger adventure and want to avoid the crowds then Billy Goat Track is the route you would want to take.  However, do note that you will need to cross through a river, so you will get wet!

I only did the Webb Creek Track, I went up at night so didn’t see much as I was only relying on my head torch. But coming down I could see a lot clearer, there were a few swing bridges along the track, two big ones, and the night sky above the swing bridges was amazing during the night! There were some parts that were very slippery because of the moss and some water from the river. Overall, this part of the hike is considered moderate 🙂

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The Pinnacles Hut- Summit

45 minutes- 1 hour one way

Metal ladders and hook

Challenging

The first part of this track is the easy part with well-formed stairs, but quite steep, so it can be tiring. However, once you reach the first metal ladders (there are two in total); this is where the challenge actually begins. A lot of climbing is involved in this part of the track, as the rocks are very steep, and it’s very hard to just walk up so you’d need to use the metal foothold to pull yourself up. My legs are very short, so it’s harder for me to climb but I do see lots of people climbing up easily 🙂 Just be extra careful when it’s wet, as it makes everything slippery; the rocks, the metal foothold, and the ladders. Watch your steps and let people behind pass if you’re slow like me haha!

And my suggestion would be to leave most of your belongings at the hut, as bags are very much a burden when you’re climbing up all these ladders, and hooks. (I learned this the hard way, I was basically throwing my bags up and down as I hike.) And I saw people abandoning their bags just before the first ladder, which you could do but of course there’s no guarantee it’d still be there when you come down. Even though New Zealand is a safe country, you still need to be careful!

But man, once I reached the top I felt so proud of myself! I was lucky enough to make it just in time for the sunrise but other than that it was very foggy up there so I didn’t see much of the Coromandel Pennisula. But I did see The Pinnacles, and they were so so amazing! This is the kind of moment when I really appreciate mother nature!!

Overnight at The Pinnacles Hut, Coromandel

Fee: $25 for adults, $12.50 for children

80 bunk beds with mattress

Staying at The Pinnacles Hut is the most common for people who want to make this an overnight hike. There are some campsites around as well, however, you would need to pack your own tents. 

• Kitchen Facilities: Some big pots, stovetop kettles. Dishwashing liquids, gas cookers, BBQ  Everything else you will need to carry yourselves.
• Dining Rooms: There are some dining tables in the kitchen, a separate indoor dining room, and an outdoor covered dining area. The indoor ones get packed very easily, especially in winter!
• Long drop toilets- nonflushed, toilet paper provided
• Water is not treated here, so boil before consuming it
• 80 Bunk beds across 2 rooms: Each comes with a mattress, it’s a first come first served base; no designated spots. 
• Warden is on-site for emergencies and queries
• Information board: With the warden on site, sunrise, sunset times, map, safety measures, etc.
• Late arrivals- warden will write your name on the information board so you will know which room to sleep in

I really liked this hut, it’s very well-maintained and clean. The mattress was surprisingly comfy haha. But it is very cold in winter, it didn’t feel like there was any heating; maybe because I was sleeping near the door. I didn’t really use much of the other facilities, as I arrived at midnight and left for sunrise. But the next time I go, I would like to try out the BBQ 🙂

Pre-book your bunk bed online to avoid disappointment. In-person booking is possible, but it depends on the availability. The Pinnacles, Coromandel is a very popular track, especially during weekends and public holidays! 

What to Wear and Pack for The Pinnacles, Coromandel

List of what to Pack

• At least 1L of water per person to stay hydrated
• Food to stay energetic: energy bars, sandwiches, crisps, sweets, nuts… there’s really no rule. Just bring something easy to pack, and those will keep your sugar level up. Most importantly, whatever you bring up, remember to take your rubbish down!
• Emergency Kits: Bandages, plasters, compass, fire starter, wipes, Ibuprofen, etc. Usually, a first-aid kit would be sufficient!
• Sunscreen: New Zealand sun is very dangerous!
• Sunglasses (Optional)
• Hats (Optional)
• Multi-Tool, Knives (Optional)
• Rubbish Bag (Optional): If you don’t mind putting rubbish in your backpack!
• Extra socks (Optional): Just in case your feet are soaked, or muddy.
• Utensils (Overnight hike): There are no utensils at the hut, so you will need to pack whatever you think you’ll need!
• More actual food if you’re staying overnight: Instant noodles, prepacked food, canned food, bread, or if you’re planning to BBQ then bring your own meats/veggies, etc.
• Sleeping Bags (Overnight): You will definitely need this, as you’re staying on the mountain and it is cold regardless of the season.
• Travel pillows (Overnight Optional)
• Hygiene Kits (Overnight Optional): Soaps, toothbrushes, toilet papers, tissues, etc.

List of what to wear

• Layers: One layer of thermal, long sleeve, and cover yourself with jackets. Any season, layers are the best way to go. Dress like an onion hehe!
• Pants: track pants, running pants, yoga pants. Anything that is stretchy, durable, and not baggy. Those that dry quickly would be even more ideal!
• Shoes: Hiking shoes would be most recommended, or shoes with good grip, and sturdy bottoms.
• Waterproof Jacket (Optional)
• Warm Hats (Optional)
• Sunglasses (Optional)

There’s really no rule when it comes to choosing what to wear. Of course, wearing the right things will definitely make your hike more pleasant and easy! DO NOT wear denim jeans; you will not make it up there with jeans!

Love this hike? Save it to your bucket list!

Where to stay near The Pinnacles, Coromandel

Stay in accommodation at Thames

A town that is literally right outside the Kauaeranga Valley, there are a few options that you can explore! Very good location for comfort and convenience if you don’t want to travel too far after the hike 🙂

Near Coromandel Pennisula

Very popular tourist place,  around 2 hours drive from The Pinnacles, Coromandel car park. Where the famous Cathedral Cove is located! One of the must-visit places on North Island, New Zealand. 

I personally love the Wairua Lodge, it is a very secluded and amazing accommodation! With an outdoor hot tub looking up to the sky, an amazing bathtub looking out the forest, a big bonfire place for cooking or S’more, some amazing trials for the outdoor lovers, and comfy and clean rooms!! Check it out yourself, definitely 100% worth the money!!

Booking.com

North Island, New Zealand Travel Guide

The easiest way to travel and explore New Zealand is definitely by driving, and driving makes it a lot easier to get to the hiking tracks. And it gives you more options and flexibility in your itinerary. No doubt, the best way to get to The Pinnacles, Coromandel is by driving 🙂

Tips and guides to renting a car

Renting a car is super easy on North Island, New Zealand. There are many options and companies to go with; booking in advance is the best way to secure a good price. Also gives you more time to compare different options. Some rental companies might have cheap daily rates, but after you add on insurance extras it becomes more expensive. So you’d want to take that into account as well; the total price is the most important part!

Compare rental cars on: discover cars, rentalcars.com

I personally really recommend snap rentals, rented from there before and it was a super easy, quick process. And don’t charge under 25-year-old fees as most other big companies do. 

Having a good insurance plan is essential, gives you a piece of mind and you don’t have to worry about paying hefty damage costs. Always be there when they examine the car, and it’s a good idea for you to take pictures of the scratches/marks of the car. But usually, if you have the most comprehensive insurance plan from the rental company, this wouldn’t matter much as it will be covered.

Explore more:

North Island places to visit | North Island Itinerary | Day trips from Auckland