Northland, Auckland & Coromandel - Hiking and Tramping in New Zealand - page 148

Most tramps in the Kauaeranga Valley are covered by NZTopo50 maps BB35 (Hikuai), with
BB34 (Thames) covering the western fringe. NewTopo map Coromandel Peninsula
1:75,000 may prove useful for trip planning. DOC's Kauaeranga Valley Recreation bro-
chure details all significant walks in the park.
HUT & CAMPING
Pinnacles Hut is the only hut in the valley. This modern Serviced hut ( www.doc.govt.nz; $15)
has gas stoves, solid fuel heater, running water, mattresses, a barbecue and solar-powered
lighting. The old hut is now used as a residence for a permanent hut warden. This popular
hut must be booked in advance; DOC hut passes and tickets are not valid.
There are, however, eight self-registration Scenic campsites ( www.doc.govt.nz; $10) , all in
appealing settings with water supply and toilets. There are also Backcountry campsites
( www.doc.govt.nz; free) near Pinnacles Hut, at Billygoat Basin and Moss Creek.
INFORMATION SOURCES
The DOC Kauaeranga Visitor Centre ( 07-867 9080; www.doc.govt.nz; Kauaeranga Valley Rd;
8.30am-4pm) is in the Kauaeranga Valley. It has interesting historical displays, dispenses
maps, brochures and advice, and handles hut and campsite bookings (which can also be
made online, inside the centre).
GUIDED TRAMPS
Walking Legends ( 07-312 5297, 0800 925 569; www.walkinglegends.com ) offers a four-day
package of Coromandel day tramps, which includes the Pinnacles in Kauaeranga Valley (for
$1490).
8 Getting to/from the Tramp
The DOC Kauaeranga Visitor Centre is 14km off SH25; it's a further 9km along a gravel
road to the start of the trails. Sunkist Backpackers ( 07-868 8808;
www.sunkistbackpackers.com ) provides a shuttle service into the valley three days a week
(Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday; other days on demand) departing Thames at 8am, return-
ing from the valley at 4.30pm (per person $35, minimum two people).
The Tramp