Pinnacles Walk (Kauaeranga Valley)
The Pinnacles
A trail that follows an old gold-rush pack-horse route up the peninsula's ridge to volcanic rock pinnacles. Ladders at the top lead to views over both coasts, making it Coromandel's most popular hike.
The track starts at the head of the Kauaeranga Valley, east of Thames. The round trip takes 6 to 8 hours (about 3 hours one way), passing ruins of old logging dams. The final section to the summit requires climbing iron ladders and rock; the summit sits at 759 m. The DOC Pinnacles Hut offers overnight stays (booking required, with sunrise views). The valley visitor center has an exhibit on logging history. Bring plenty of water, food and a rain jacket, as the trail can be slippery.
Opening hours
All day (visitor center open during the day)
Nearby sights
- Tairua & Mount Paku
- Square Kauri
- Hot Water Beach
- Thames School of Mines
- Cooks Beach
- Whitianga
- Shakespeare Cliff Lookout & Lonely Bay
- Whangamatā