The Pinnacles in New Zealand is an iconic day hike in the Coromandel Forest Park.
Even though I’ve only completed this trail once, it was a memorable one. With its incredible views from the summit, over native bush through to the Fifth of Thames, it really is a must-do. If you’re interested in having an adventure with some beautiful landscapes, continue reading below, I have everything you need to know.
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The Pinnacles are located in the Waikato, New Zealand, near Thames township and nestled within the Coromandel Forest Park.
HOW TO GET TO GET THERE
If you’re traveling from Auckland or Hamilton, expect just under a two-hour drive to reach the Pinnacles. From Thames township, the drive takes around 30 minutes.
The most convenient way to reach the trailhead is by car, as the Kauaeranga Valley is a remote area. While the road conditions are generally good, note that beyond the visitor centre, the road turns to gravel so you’ll travel a little slower.
Parking tips
The trail begins at the Kauaeranga Valley Road end, approximately 9km past the visitor centre. A designated car park is available with roughly 50 spaces but it can fill quickly, especially on weekends and public holidays. With being quite a popular hike in the area I would aim to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon as it’ll increase your chances of securing a parking spot.
KEY INSIGHTS FOR HIKING THE PINNACLES
Distance: 14.2 km | 8.8 miles
Elevation: 826m
Duration: 4–5 hours
Difficulty: Medium
Trail Type: There-and-back
Open: Year-round
As the Pinnacles in New Zealand is surrounded by lush forest, expect incredible scenery throughout the hike.
The first section of the trail you’ll have exactly that. Initially through forestry, with peaks of clearings and swing bridges. While the general consensus is that the track is well-maintained and easy to follow, it is a little uneven in places—especially in the sections with stairs made out of rock.
Most of the hike follows a steady incline until the DOC hut, where there is the option to stay overnight. From there, the trail continues along the ridgeline before the final ascent to the summit. This last stretch includes ladders and stairs, all securely fastened to the rock face. However, please be careful, steady footing is essential.
Reaching the summit at 759 meters, the reward is undeniable with expansive 360 views of the mountains ranges and valleys, stretching across Coromandel Forest Park and the Waikato region.
I hiked the Pinnacles at sunrise, but I imagine golden hour and sunset would be just as breathtaking. For me, the early start was absolutely worth it.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Summer is a popular time to hike the Pinnacles in New Zealand but as it’s open year round I would suggest to hike either in spring or autumn. This way the weather is much more mild and you’ll avoid the peak heat. Winter is also possible but these conditions can bring strong winds and colder temperatures, making it essential to check the forecast before hiking.
In terms of time of day I can confidently say that hiking at sunrise is an adventure. While your time up will be in the dark the sunrises golden light across the landscape is pretty spectacular. Sunset I can imagine is equally stunning.
No matter what time you decide to visit the Pinnacles, you’ll be happy you did.
HOW CROWDED IS IT AT THE PINNACLES
The Pinnacles is one of the most popular hikes in the region, so you can expect company along the trail and the summit–even at sunrise. Weekends, holidays and the summer time are particularly busy, with the hut often reaching full capacity. If you prefer to visit when it’s a little quieter, consider a weekday visit or an early morning start.
IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL THE PINNACLES SOLO
The Pinnacles in New Zealand is definitely a safe hike for solo travellers. We came across plenty of them while on this trail. It is well-marked, and since it’s quite busy you’re more than likely to encounter others. However, for extra safety, inform someone of your plans and carry essential gear like a headlamp, extra layers, and a personal locator beacon.
PHOTOGRAPHY
The Pinnacles is a dream trail for those who love to capture landscapes. When photographing outdoors, I’m a massive advocate for softer light as it brings out the incredible colours and avoids harsh shadows that the midday sun creates. I visited during sunrise, and even though we had some cloud cover, it was a phenomenal time to have the camera out.
As the start of the hike is mostly shaded, you’ll be creating within low-light conditions. It’s then a stark contrast to the bright, open views towards the end of the hike when at the summit. This means you’ll be requiring camera settings adjustments for changing light conditions.
ACCOMMODATION AT THE PINNACLES
While it’s normal to complete the hike within a day, there is the option of an overnight stay at the Pinnacles DOC hut. It’s close to the summit so quite convenient if you’re wanting to experience sunrise or sunset here.
In terms of the facilities, the hut has bunk beds, and is equiped with cooking facilities and solar lighting. Cold showers are also available but water is limited. If you do decide to stay at the hut make sure to bring all the essentials like food, water, warm clothes, headlamp and a power bank.
For those considering an overnight stay, booking in advance is essential especially in peak seasons like summer.
Camping
There are camping spots available five minutes from the Pinnacles Hut. You can book a site here.
SUMMARY
In this post, we’ve shared everything you need to know about hiking the Pinnacles in New Zealand. From the best time to visit and how crowded you can expect it to be to key insights for hiking and accommodation.
Whether you’re planning a sunrise adventure, a solo trek, or an overnight stay at the DOC hut, this guide has you covered.
For more of New Zealand’s ultimate destinations you can discover these here alongside all other comprehensive travel guides found on the blog.