Thames, New Zealand
Thames
N/A
+64 78679080
No wheelchair-accessible entrance
This is a tough hike!! I would explain it as a shorter version of the Tongariro crossing but only the tough parts lol. I recommend wearing hiking shoes as it's wet at patches and also rocky closer to the top. It's shaded 90% of the way to the hut and then it's exposed from there. The ladders and staples at the end aren't too bad, I expected to feel more frightened but it was fine. Took us about 7 hours and we probably stopped for an hour at the top. Take wet wipes to wipe your hands because you'll use them to climb up at the top.
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Such a fun experience for the whole family. Haven't stayed in a hut before and was surprised by how nice it was. Very clean and safe with kids. The view from the top was breathtaking.
Easy walk. Most of the track to the hut is easy going with some decent rocks to navigate. lots of stairs after the hut. Well marked and obvious to follow.
We had booked bunks at the pinnacles hut online so we walked to the hut on the first day. We then went up to the summit before dawn to watch the sunrise on the peak. Although I'm not a morning person, it was worth the extra effort to see it happen. The carpark was at the end of Kaueranga road and the start of the trail was right there, as well as the Trestle View Campsite. We walked the Webb Creek trail up to the hut and then down the Billy Goat Trail back to the carpark. The Billy goat trail seemed to be steeper and looked a lot harder to get up compared to the Kauaeranga Trail. The trails were all fairly well signposted and the coloured trail marks were quiet helpful. The track itself was mostly covered by bush. The first third was very tiring but it did get easier further down the track where the ascent wasn't as long or steep. It was really interesting walking along the remnants of the old mining paths and roads. The sights along the trail were amazing, overlooking the valleys and the forest in the area. Although doable in a day I enjoyed splitting it over the two days and walking the circuit gave different and spectacular views along the walk. The bunks were booked a couple of weeks in advance and did book out quite fast. There are plenty of camping sites littered around the area so those are also options for staying nearby. Definitely an enjoyable walk. The path to the summit did involve ladders and clambering over rocks, which I thought, added to the appeal. The pathways were fairly well kept so it was easy walking along up, just tiring. The scenic views and peaceful and everchanging scenery was quite fun to walk through.
Fantastic track with a lot to see. Fairly easy if you're used to walking, quite steep in areas with long step downs so not good if you have bad knees. Stunning views
IMPORTANT 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 hut spotless.
Amazing hike with gorgeous views! A fun climb up some ladders and rocks at the end
This place is a must to visit on the North Island! The views that open up above are breathtaking! Honestly, it's cooler than on the Great Wall of China. Our journey from the parking lot to the top took 4 hours. Some people really prefer to see sunset or sunrise at the top (if you pay in advance for an overnight stay at the foot of the mountain in the house). The last part of the way is the most difficult but the most exciting in terms of entertainment.
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