Took Friday off and tramped up to the Pinnacles in the Kauaeranga valley in the Coromandel. The Pinnacles Hut is handy to Auckland being couple of of hours drive away. This was the fifth time I’ve been up there (though one time was just a day trip).

Tramped Tarawaere track which gets a bit rough and isn’t the usual way of getting to the hut, but is much more interesting. Having started late, I ended up tramping in the dark by headlamp for the last part along Billygoat track. It is interesting how the colour gradually fades and the shadows get deeper and deeper, but you hold off using a torch because once you do all that is visible is the spot it points at and that lacks depth (is that a hole or a rock?). At least that is how it is with my torch, maybe I need a better one.

Got to the hut about 7pm to find I was the only one staying there that night. And I had been worried about crowds. Slept in the dining area with the fire going.

Next day I climbed up the Pinnacles themselves. DoC have added new steps and ladders, it’s all a lot easier than the mud and rock handholds, I’m not complaining. Got a nice view of the inside of a cloud there. Was hoping it might clear, but I guess I’ve seen the views before.

Came back down via Webb Creek. So many stairs! But nice in a ferny mossy waterfall way. Then back to the car and drove home to soak tired legs.

More photos.