Tramp Reflections 706 - Pinnacles, Kauaeranga Valley

25 September 2005

Trampers on the Day: Vince (leader), Isobel (co-leader), Lynn, Rae, Elizabeth, Sheila, Nick and Helen.

It was a grey cloudy day with light precipitation in the air when we pulled up in the DOC office at Kauaeranga Valley.

In the good old days, the track we were about to walk was used to bring supplies up to the millers and tree fellers, who cleared out hundreds of acres of kauri trees in the valleys. In the late 1990’s, the track was upgraded, and rebuilt, close to what it looked like at the start of the century… including a stairway made of stone steps wide enough for packhorses.

Vince led the way up the track, undulating at first then rising steeply to the first swing-bridge, the water level was low; some took the bridge option, others crossed the stream via the rocks. Those who started with their rain jackets on were soon stripping them off again as the weather improved. From here, we climbed the stone stairway and crossed two other swing bridges on the way to the logging camp. The logging camp was also used as a base for the power company to helicopter huge power lines in that feed from Thames to Tairua etc. Several ideal spots were suggested for a rest and morning tea… however, Vince had other ideas… onwards and upwards… first stop was to be lunch with a view at the Pinnacles hut.

There were some good views on the way and our happy band arrived at the hut in perfect time for lunch. An impressive hut it was too, two large bunk rooms, cold shower, gas kitchen, huge decking and views galore. During lunch, we had an interesting chat with the Warden, who told us amongst other things that the track from the hut to the Pinnacles would be closed at the beginning of November for five months whilst upgrade work was carried out to make access easier.

After lunch, we all headed for the Pinnacles themselves, over very muddy track at first, and then it started… the climb… up steep rock face… Nick and Rae thought better of it and decided to back track to the hut and watch from there. The rest of us continued…next came the boulders, BIG boulders, definitely not made for people with short legs as some of us discovered! After that, it was the ladders… vertical ladders with rock face to the left… fresh air to the right... I stood at the bottom of the ladder…‘I can’t do this’ I said and sank between the boulders. However, after much encouragement from Isobel, Helen and Lynn, I did climb the ladder, plus another one to make it to the platform at the top of the Pinnacles.

There were fantastic views all around; across to Tairua / Pauanui on one side and for those fearless enough to clamber through more boulders (not I!) views of The Firth of Thames and Hauraki Plains on the other. We took a breather and a couple of photos then started the decent back to the hut, which was actually easier than I thought it would be. On arrival back at the hut there was some deliberation as to whether we should return via the same track or go via the Billy Goat track, but in the end, the decision was to take the same track to ensure we arrived back at the van in daylight.

We finished the day on a tuneful note… it was Nick’s birthday, so we celebrated by singing happy birthday and by eating the yummy slice Lynn made especially for the occasion!

A great day, thanks to Vince for leading the trip and sharing his wealth of knowledge.

Sheila