"The Walk from the Hut to the Pinnacles Summit." Kauaeranga Travelogue by kiwi

Kauaeranga Travel Guide: 12 reviews and 51 photos

Heading for the top!

I was a little apprehensive about doing this part of the tramp. I had been viewing these peaks for a year or two and realised they were quite steep.
Well one good thing was that you can leave your heavy pack at the Hut and walk on up with only a rain jacket and camera.
I subsequently found this section not nearly as steep as I expected and it was quite enjoyable actually.

Trees from a previous era.

Dead forest.

There is plenty of evidence around of the previous life of these hills, even before the goldrush years. Remnants of large trees are apparent everywhere you look.

Weather mixture.

Ominous clouds

The clouds can be very dark over the Coromandel, as you can see here. Also taken on the walk up the Pinnaccles.

Nature's beauty.

Natural obstacles

The path isn't always clear and easy, but I noticed the fauna a little different on this part of the track to the part from the road to the hut. Still steps to climb but one needs to beware of pieces of trees etc.

Rugged Bush

Rugged bush.

When kiwis warn you to be careful in our bush, really we mean it. This is what we call "Tiger Country". Of course we don't have tigers in New Zealand. It is a term relating to the density and unforgiving nature of this thick bush. Aside from weather changes including huge temperature variations, getting lost here can be dangerous and lengthy. Search and Rescue teams are large, involve a lot of volunteers, Police and Rescue, and military and civilian helicopters. It's a very big deal when someone doesn't emerge from these hills on the planned day.

Staircase.

The Staircase looks steep, however it's safe with good rails to hold and makes short work of a steep part of the rock face.

The Summit.

View from the summit.

A recent addition to the summit is this safe, welcome and comfortable platform to rest and take in the view. You can sit down and gather yourself for the descent, and feel quite safe sitting there. The view is over to the East coast of Coromandel Peninsular, to the coastal Aldermen Islands.

The Track.

Looking back up the Pinnacles.

Looking back up, you can see the track. It looks worse than what it actually is. I was pleasantly surprised, and felt very satisfied that I did this part of the walk. I was tempted to stay at the hut and let my friends do the summit without me, however I'm so glad I went up there.