We took the Webb Creek track which was an excruciating yet enjoyable three hour hike to the Pinnacles Hut. It was really an experience. The hike leads you across river streams and along the steep edges of the hill. The distance between the steps can be a bit high. I'm 5'10" yet I still find it high. So be careful and hike with slowly. Take your time. It can get slippery sometimes.
Others do a day walk. That takes approximately 4 hours to the Pinnacles Summit. 8 hours return. Wow! Kudos to you if you can do a return in one day.
As for us, my wife and I decided to stay in the Pinnacles Hut. That was another case of extraordinary experience for me. We slept at the hut for a night. Then continued our hike to the summit the following day at 6am in the morning. That is another 50 minute hike. That was enough time for us to catch the sunrise.
There are plenty of young eager souls who hike early so they can sit on top of the Pinnacles Summit as the sun rises. So if you want to be like them, bring a torch/flashlight. Six am can still be dark. Safety first. Always.
I recommend that you wear shoes suited for hiking. Bring plenty of water yet travel light - if you are doing a day trip.
Again, the experience was fantastic. Might go back and be more prepared for it. Will rest for now. Legs are sore...
Read moreIMPORTANT NOTE. Do not program your GPS to this location it is incorrect not sure why no one else mentioned this. The track to the hut is accessed via Kauaeranga Valley Rd, thames. The carpark is located at the end of the rd past the DOC office.
If your the type of person who generally does not enjoy long walks especially through bush, rough terrain and up climbs this walk isn't for you. If your up for a challenge then this is definitely well suited. If your staying the night and carrying your stuff (8-10kgs) with you it will take approximately 3hrs for an averagly fit individual stopping several times for a break to reach the hut. Its another 50mins from there to the summit. However if its just a day hike with minimal stuff this can easily be completed in 3hrs from the carpark to the summit. I've added a lot of pictures of the hut, the kitchen, toilet and few other places as doc did not really provide me with good info on amenities etc due to covid.
Web creek is by far the easiest way up and down, but if your up for a challenge go via Billy Goat track. Wear shoes which cushion your feet as you will be stepping on a lot of rocks and rough terrain. Please take all your rubbish with you and leave the forest and...
Read moreFrom Pedals to Peaks: A Coromandel Climb I Didn’t Sign Up For! Coromandel Forest Park, Waikato ⛅
Today was earmarked as a laid-back day off with my better half, Joey. Little did I know, her idea of relaxation involved a spontaneous trek in the stunning yet demanding terrains of Coromandel. She baited me with “just a couple of hours walk,” but as we ventured deeper, the walk morphed into a full-on rock climbing expedition to reach the coveted lookout. Standing at the peak, about 800 meters high, we were nearly swept off by the winds, far above the lush native bush below.
The trail challenged us with a whopping 900 meters of climbing. Initially, it was the promise of breathtaking views that kept me going, but soon, the promise of Joey owing me one became an equally compelling motivator! Five hours later, we trudged back to our campsite, utterly exhausted but with spirits high from conquering more than we’d bargained for. It’s safe to say, today redefined our limits and Joey might just owe me a day of rest, or perhaps, I’m the lucky one if I can...
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