Happy trails in Coromandel

The Coromandel’s popular Kauaeranga Kauri Trail has it all for a weekend’s achievement: a decent walk through bush, waterfalls, and some moderately challenging climbing.

You will be rewarded with long views plus, if you time it right, some spectacular sunrise/ sunset action.

The Pinnacles is dramatically spiky and volcanic, rising out of the surrounding bush to a height of 759 metres, from where you get a glorious 360-degree view, on a clear day, from coast to coast and over the sea and Hauraki Plains.

The return trip will take about eight hours, but the best option is to stay overnight near the summit.

Why go?

Because, afterwards, you’ll look at horses with new respect. The track starts by following the route they used, hauling in supplies over difficult gradients for the workers busy in the 1870s felling kauri trees and mining for gold.

The horses even had to negotiate steps carved into the rock – you’ll climb them too – as well as neat flights of stairs and, finally, a bit of a scramble up to the summit.

You will wander through bush where tall ra¯ta¯ still grow, cross swing bridges, perhaps be tempted by swimming holes and then arrive at the smart and welcoming

Department of Conservation hut that is about a 40-minute walk from the top.

This is where many people settle in for the night, so they can continue to the summit carrying just their cameras, to catch the sun setting in the west, then after a pre-dawn alarm, see it rising in the east.

Insider tip

Don’t be in too much of a hurry to start the walk. If you spend some time browsing the displays in the visitor centre, you will have a better understanding of the history you are walking through along the track.

Don’t try to access the Pinnacles from the eastern side, because that track is longer and very rough.

On the way/nearby

There are many other walks in the area, short and long, easy and more difficult, all offering something different, and you’ll find a selection of campsites too.

The Thames Museum has more detail about the history you have just walked through, and you will certainly appreciate some cafe treats in town after all that effort.

If, though, you’re still in the zone, consider biking the Hauraki Rail Trail, with its excitingly creepy long tunnel.

If you like going under ground, Thames’ Goldmine Experience is ideal, or you could stay in the open and try your luck at gold panning.

How much?

Walking the track is free, but if you want to stay in the Department of Conservation hut near the summit, it costs $20 an adult, $12.50 for kids, and you’ll need to book in advance.

Best time to go

Any time the weather is settled (though always be prepared for changes). Of course, the sunrises and sunsets are more conveniently timed during the cooler months.