The Pinnacles – sunrise views and stories from the top

Looking for a moderate hike with incredible payoff?

"Coromandel’s classic adventure"

Back in Kūaotunu, everyone kept saying, “You have to do The Pinnacles.” So, my friend and I finally gave in to the hype and drove out to Kauaeranga Valley near Thames in one of our weekends working at the restaurant. After a winding stretch of gravel road, we parked at the trailhead, laced up our boots, and started what turned out to be one of my favorite hikes in New Zealand, in the Coromandel.

The track begins gently, crossing swing bridges and through a little forest. Soon, though, the climb kicks in. We scrambled over rocky paths, tackled carved stone steps, and crossed a stream that glistened in the morning sun. The variety of terrain kept it fun – every corner seemed to offer something different. Depending on your pace, it takes around three hours to reach the hut.

The Pinnacles Hut is one of the largest in the country, with 80 mattresses in a couple of bunks lined up side by side. It’s not luxurious – just mattresses and no separate beds. The kitchen is equipped with a few gas cookers, and basic pots and pans. Everything else is for you to bring, including your patience if you plan to cook at peak times. It is recommended to bring your own small gas cooker. Still, it’s part of the charm: swapping stories with strangers while everyone crowds into the kitchen after a long day outside.

From the hut, it’s about 40 minutes to the summit. The first part is mostly stairs, when finally past this point it is just the final stretch, which is the most exciting: steel bars, rocks to scramble over and chains to help you haul yourself up. At the top, 759 meters above sea level, you’re rewarded with sweeping views.

We decided to skip the full summit at sunrise (a little bit sketchy to hike this in the dark – but enough people do it daily) and instead found a rock ledge just below the final stairs. Wrapped in jackets, we watched the first light spill across the ridges and waiting for all those colors to hit us, and honestly, best choice we could have made. We sat here with just the two of us, taking in all the views and sounds of nature.

For the return, hikers can retrace their steps down Webb Creek or loop via the Billygoat Track, which passes waterfalls and remnants of old logging tramways. Either way, allow six to eight hours total if you’re doing it in one day.

Looking back, I’m glad we followed the advice from Kūaotunu locals. The Pinnacles wasn’t just another hike – it turned into an unforgettable journey, with a sunrise I’ll never forget.