The Pinnacles, Kauaeranga Kauri Trail, Thames

Overnight walk to the top of The Pinnacles, Thames.

We'll be staying in the DoC hut near the summit, you can do the extra walk to the lookout at the summit for a great view and photos, especially at sunset & again at sunrise the next morning.

The walk itself is via the Webb Creek Track, 14km total and almost all uphill there and downhill back with an elevation change of 700m. 3-4 hours to get to the hut is realistic with a relaxed pace & reasonable fitness.

You will need good trail sneakers or boots (no flat soles), sticks if you want as well as your usual clothing layers, raincoat etc.

The climb to the lookout is a CLIMB, if you intend to do it early or late for photos etc you'll need extra warm gear as it's exposed & probably wet/slippery.

The hut is well setup with bunk beds, a full kitchen with gas cooking and running water. There's a fireplace to warm it up in the evening while you're cooking/eating & relaxing. You will need a sleeping bag, clean warm clothes, toiletries, towel (cold shower available), utensils, plates, cup, food (I take lunch, afternoon snack x2, dinner, breakfast, morning snack) and hot and/or cold drinks, Jandles/crocs/slippers are great in the hut and an inflatable pillow is a nice extra. In the evening there will be time to talk, read, play cards etc.

Sunday morning we'll leave about 9am then have the option of getting fish & chips for lunch in Thames at https://thamesfisheries.co.nz

The hut is $30/adult, Please book ASAP.

To book the hut go to https://bookings.doc.govt.nz/Web/ you will need an account to book/pay for this hut then search "Pinnacles hut, Kauaeranga Kauri Trail" It will just show as "Kauaeranga Kauri Trail" then select "Hut" Chose the date "02/09/2023" and 1 night, the next page allows you to enter the number of guests (0 vehicles).

Carpooling is recommended as it it over 2 hours drive south of Auckland. You are welcome to park at my house in Papakura (off-street parking for 4 cars 3 minutes from motorway) and carpool from there, 1 passenger pays $30, 2 or more pay $20 each, or arrange transport amongst yourselves (please pay a little more if you're coming from further North though).

We will meet at the road end carpark 09:30ish and start walking at 10am.

Carpool meetup at my place 07:30 & leave 07:45.

Finish midday Sunday, have lunch (optional) & beat the traffic home.

The final 8km of road isn't paved and has some bad potholes, most cars are fine but for your cars sake-NO low hung cars. Limited cellphone reception at the carpark so leave early and drive safe.

Toilets at the DoC visitors centre, road end carpark and the hut.

Any questions, please ask

$2 per person to help cover my costs.