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Kauaeranga Kauri Trail (Pinnacles Walk)
Where is it?
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In the Kauaeranga Valley, 13km east of Thames.
Terrain
Bush tracks, rock steps, swing bridges, ladders.
Good to know
The Kauaeranga Visitor Centre is an excellent place to find information on track conditions, watch an audio visual display and visit the built-to-scale model of a kauri dam.
Track Overview
From the 1870s to the 1920s, this peaceful forest echoed with the sound of intense milling, as regal kauri giants were felled for the growing nation. Today visitors can follow the old packhorse tracks that took supplies to the loggers. Walking through bush canopy and regenerating forest, hikers will see giant stumps, remnants from impressive kauri dams andtramlines, while the views from the towering Pinnacles (759m) are the highlight of the trail. You will need to put in some serious effort but the reward will be stunning views across The Coromandel and out to the east coast. Choose between walking there and back on the Webb Creek Track (6-8hr return) or take the Billy Goat Track (8-10hr) and make a loop. This ruggedly spectacular walk is one of the country’s most popular overnight adventures.
Need to Know
NO DOGS
TIME & DISTANCE: 1-2 days
FITNESS: Good fitness level required
TERRAIN: Challenging walk
Looking for a place to stay? Find a huge range of accommodation options, including discounts for AA Members, at travel.aa.co.nz/Hotels
Main Image: Sunset at the Pinnacles © Destination Coromandel
