The Pinnacles - Coromandel Forest
Details
The Pinnacles -Kauaeranga Valley / Coromandel Forest
It is one of the must do’s offering spectacular views of the Coromandel Peninsula from the Pinnacles lookout (759 m). The stunning hike to the base of the craggy Pinnacles traverses through groves of nikau palms, huge rata trees, and across streams and swing bridges. Crossing the streams, you can imagine the roar of huge torrents of water and logs rushing past as the kauri dams upstream were released sending thousands of huge kauri logs downstream towards Thames.
Meet at pinnacles car park- end Kauaeranga Valley Road @ 9.45 AM
Introductions, meet & greet.
Start Hike: 10.00 AM
Basic plan: Car Park – Webb Creek – Pinnacles – Billy Goat – Car Park
The Pinnacles loop- day hike. Going up via Webb Creek back via Billygoat Walk, back to car park between 5 and 6 pm.
We will move at a pace averaging 3 kms per hour. Short breaks (5 mins) every 5kms, 20 minutes lunch break at the hut. 10 minutes at the summit lookout in small groups. Fast hikers get a longer lunch break :) but it is important to wait and regroup at all intersections/junctions.
THIS HIKE IS FOR EXPERIENCED HIKERS ONLY. Please check the track details as it involves and is not limited to; stream crossing, extremely narrow tracks, rock face and plenty of steep steps.
Hike duration is 7 to 7.5 hrs total time including breaks.
Distance: around 15 km
Difficulty rating: 3.5
Recommended Items to carry but not limited to:
- Enough food and drink for duration of trip (at least 2 litre water)
- Layered clothing suitable for current weather conditions and cold temperatures
- Footwear suitable for rough tramping tracks
- Sun and rain protection
- Plastic bags for muddy footwear
- Extra clothing and footwear to change into after hike
- Food
- First-aid items
- Clean footwear
Transportation & Carpooling:
Please update in the comments section if you need or can offer rides with your suburb. And then private message each other if need be to decide the exact location and time of pick up. It is very important that the drivers update me with their passengers details a day or two before the trip. Members are very helpful to offer rides. Members requiring a ride to pay $25 to the driver in cash directly before the start of the hike.
Cell phone network is very limited.
From SH25 at the southern entrance to Thames, turn right into Banks Street beside the service station. Banks Street veers right into Parawai Road, which then becomes Kauaeranga Valley Road. Follow this for 13 km to the Kauaeranga Visitor Centre. The road then continues a further 9 km to the road end. The road is sealed as far as the visitor centre. pinnacles carpark- end Kauaeranga Valley Road
Its best to study the area and make your own maps.
Important links:
https://www.thecoromandel.com/activities/must-do/the-pinnacles/
Must read
https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/know-before-you-go/safety-in-the-outdoors/
https://www.backpackerguide.nz/outdoor-safety-hiking-new-zealand/
Important Disclaimer:
Hiking NZ and/or the organizer work is voluntary and hold NO responsibility or liability for any injury or loss suffered during the events organized.
See you on Sunday,
Kristina.