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Waiomu
14.2 km
7 hours 30 minutes
826 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you are looking for an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Coromandel Forest Park, lace up your boots for the iconic Pinnacles Track (also known as the Kauaeranga Kauri Trail). Renowned as one of New Zealand's most rewarding and popular hikes, this trail offers a captivating blend of lush native bush, fascinating pioneering history, and breathtaking panoramic views from its rugged, rocky summit.
Whether you tackle this 14.2km adventure as a challenging day walk or choose to stay overnight in the famous DOC hut, you are in for a classic Kiwi tramping experience.
Your adventure begins at the Kauaeranga Valley Road end, where the trail immediately plunges you into dense, verdant native forest. This is a living testament to the region’s rich kauri logging heritage. The route follows an historic packhorse path, hand-carved by kauri bushmen, gum diggers, and gold miners in the early 1900s.
The initial stages of the Webb Creek Track—the most popular ascent route—meander gently alongside the crystal-clear waters of the Kauaeranga River. Here, you’ll cross several charming swing bridges suspended over the water, which are always a highlight for hikers.
As you delve deeper into the valley, the track begins to climb steadily. The well-formed path transitions into more rugged terrain, dominated by impressive stone steps. These steps were painstakingly built over a century ago to prevent the packhorses from slipping in the mud. As you climb through groves of nikau palms and towering rātā trees, you’ll get a real sense of the diverse ecosystem of the Coromandel.
Approximately halfway up, you will reach Hydro Camp. This historical clearing is the perfect spot to stop, catch your breath, and enjoy a quick snack. This is also where the Webb Creek Track merges with the Billygoat Track if you decide to take the alternative loop option on your way back down.
Beyond Hydro Camp, the trail gets significantly more challenging. You’ll walk along a spectacular ridgeline before reaching the final, exhilarating push to the summit. This last section is where the real adventure unfolds. To reach the top, you must navigate a series of sturdy metal ladders, fixed rungs, and some steep rock scrambling securely fastened to the sheer rock face. While highly exciting, a steady footing and a good head for heights are absolute essentials here.
A large, gravel-surfaced car park is available at the Kauaeranga Valley Road end, which is the official trailhead. It's located approximately 9 km past the Kauaeranga Valley Visitor Centre on an unsealed road. Pit-style toilets and a picnic area are also at the car park. Arriving early, especially on weekends, is recommended as the 50-spot lot can fill up quickly.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Apteryx mantelli
The kiwi is New Zealand's national icon, a nocturnal and flightless bird known for its long, sensitive beak with nostrils at the tip, used to sniff out food.
Best time: Year-round
Ninox novaeseelandiae
Native owl also known as Ruru. Named for its distinctive two-note call heard at night.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
9km away
Nestled within the DOC Kauaeranga Valley Visitor Centre, this seasonal cafe offers homemade goodies, Supreme coffee, cold drinks, and ice creams, perfect for a pre-hike snack or post-hike treat.
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Out and back
Upon reaching the Pinnacles summit at 759 metres, your physical efforts are magnificently rewarded. You’ll stand atop the jagged volcanic peaks with expansive, 360-degree views stretching across the dramatic Coromandel ranges, the sparkling Firth of Thames, the Hauraki Gulf, and the vast Hauraki Plains.
Because of the steep drops, vertical ladders, and highly technical scrambles near the top, this walk is not dog-friendly and is not suitable for young kids.
The trailhead is located near the coastal settlement of Waiomu on the Coromandel Peninsula. To get there, drive to the very end of Kauaeranga Valley Road, which lies approximately 9km past the Department of Conservation (DOC) Kauaeranga Valley Visitor Centre.
Please note that the final stretch of road past the visitor centre is unsealed, so drive to the conditions. At the road end, you will find a large, gravel-surfaced car park, which serves as the official trailhead. The car park has pit-style toilets and a lovely picnic area. Because this is one of the most popular hikes in the region, the 50-spot parking lot can fill up very quickly on weekends and during the summer holidays, so arriving early is highly recommended.
As you make your way through the dense canopy, keep your ears open for the beautiful songs of native forest birds. The inquisitive fantail (pīwakawaka) will likely flutter alongside you, catching insects stirred up by your boots, while the distinctive chime of the tūī echoes through the trees.
Look up into the high branches of the rātā and tawa trees, and you might spot the large kererū (New Zealand pigeon) clumsily feeding on berries. As dusk falls, the eerie, comforting call of the ruru (morepork) begins to echo through the valley. If you are lucky enough to be staying overnight at the Pinnacles Hut, keep your ears peeled during the night—the occasional rustle in the undergrowth could be a wild North Island brown kiwi foraging for insects.
The Pinnacles Track is a spectacular walk to undertake in Spring, Summer, Autumn, or Winter.
Regardless of the season, the weather in the Coromandel can change rapidly. The summit is highly exposed to strong winds and sudden rain, so you must pack for all conditions.
If you are planning a day walk, it is best to start by 8:00 AM to ensure you have plenty of daylight to complete the 7.5-hour return journey without rushing.
The Kauaeranga Valley holds deep cultural and historical significance. For centuries, local Māori used the valley as a pathway through the rugged Coromandel Range.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the valley was transformed by European settlers. It became the hub of a massive kauri logging industry. Millions of metres of timber were taken from these hills, and the remains of the historic wooden driving dams—used to flush giant logs down the river to the sea—can still be found scattered throughout the wider park. Today, the area is a protected conservation park, where the native forest is slowly recovering to its former glory.
After tackling a challenging 826-metre elevation gain, you will have worked up quite an appetite. Head back down the unsealed road to the Kauaeranga Valley Cafe, located inside the DOC Visitor Centre (9km from the trailhead).
This charming, seasonal cafe is the perfect post-hike sanctuary. Here, you can sink into a chair with a hot cup of Supreme coffee, indulge in delicious homemade baking, or cool down with a cold drink and a well-deserved ice cream. It is the ultimate way to celebrate conquering one of New Zealand’s finest trails!
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round